“We Need a Little Magic” – After Neymar’s 26-Minute Al Hilal Cameo, Upcoming Rivals Prays for AFC Champions League Clash

Ahead of their highly anticipated AFC Champions League clash, Al Hilal and Neymar‘s next opponents in the Asian premier club tournament are turning to something higher to come away with a win. Al Hilal plays the opposition from Uzbekistan in the AFC Champions League in their first Group D clash of the tournament. Now the team’s manager has spoken to the media before the game. This comes after Neymar’s 26-minute cameo for Al Hilal against Al Riyadh recently.

Al Hilal goes up against Uzbekistan team Navbahor, and the latter’s manager has suggested he needs luck on his side to win against the Saudi heavyweights. Navbahor finished in second place last season in the Uzbekistan Super League. They’re again in 2nd spot this season having played 18 games so far.

Neymar’s next opponents Navbahor look for a miracle against Al Hilal

Navbahor played Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia at Al Hilal’s home stadium, the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 18th September. According to Navbahor gaffer Samvel Babayan, his side needs all the luck they can get. Speaking to the media ahead of their AFC Champions League clash, Babayan said, “We need a little magic to win against Al Hilal.”

Al Hilal goes into the game as certain favorites, not only to win the match but also to top the group. Group D is an interesting one in this year’s AFC Champions League, which comprises India’s ISL team Mumbai City FC and Iranian club Nassaji Mazandaran.

Meanwhile, for Al Hilal fans, their marquee star Neymar made his highly awaited debut for the club.

Neymar makes debut for Al Hilal with assist

Neymar was away on international duty with Brazil, where he became the country’s top scorer. Neymar scored his 78th and 79th goals against Bolivia to go past Brazil legend Pele’s all-time record of 77 goals for the Selecao.

Neymar returned to Saudi Arabia and came on as a substitute against Al Riyadh in Al Hilal’s emphatic 6-1 win. The Brazilian forward came on in the 64th minute and was straight into action. Neymar made one of his trademark dribbling runs and assisted his teammate Malcom in the 83rd minute to make it 4-0 on the night.

After their win, Al Hilal moved to the top of the SPL with 16 points from 6 games. Their record stands at 5 W and 1 D maintaining their unbeaten record. Furthermore, it looks like they might be tough to beat and could be billed as favorites to win the Saudi Pro Leauge, ahead of Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad who are 2nd on 15 points, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr who are 6th with 12 points so far.

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