Al Ain shattered Al Hilal’s 34-game winning streak with a 4-2 win in the Asian Champions League semi-final. Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi starred, scoring a hat-trick in the first half. “Rahimi was exceptional today,” said Al Ain’s coach after the victory.
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The match, postponed due to torrential rain in the UAE, saw Rahimi score early at six minutes from a Yahia Nader assist, and later converting two penalties — the first after being fouled by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, and the second following Ali Al Bulayhi’s foul on Erik.
The end of the first (away) leg of Asian Champions League semifinal 🔚#AINvHIL ⚽️#AlHilal pic.twitter.com/EFBhYiB5wk
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 17, 2024
Al Hilal’s counter came in the second half, with goals from Malcom and Salem Al Dawsari, but Al Ain’s Alejandro Romero secured the win with a third penalty for his team.
Meanwhile, in another semi-final, Ulsan Hyundai narrowly defeated Yokohama F-Marinos 1-0. Both ties are set for their conclusive matches next Tuesday.
The 2nd leg of the #ACL semifinal will be played next Tuesday in Riyadh ⚽️
See you there 🏟️#AlHilal 💙 pic.twitter.com/5FL0ZxGD3H
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) April 17, 2024
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
The first episode is available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel and the series will receive weekly releases to tell this legend’s life story.
