Neymar returns to action, leads Al-Hilal past Al-Ain in AFC Champions League

In the United Arab Emirates, Neymar made his return to professional football after a significant absence due to injury. He played for Al-Hilal in a group stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite against Al Ain, where he had not participated since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear in October 2023. Coming off the bench late in the game, Neymar nearly scored, showcasing his skills immediately. The match concluded with an exhilarating 5-4 victory for Al-Hilal, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament, having won all three of their matches thus far. The match itself was filled with back-and-forth action, featuring goals from both sides. Renan Lodi initiated the scoring for Al-Hilal, followed by a quick response from Soufiane Rahimi. By halftime, Al-Hilal had established a 3-1 lead with contributions from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Salem Al-Dawsari. Although Mateo Sanabria reduced the deficit for Al Ain, Al-Dawsari responded with two more goals, completing a hat trick and confirming his team's strong position. Despite Rahimi also achieving a hat trick for Al Ain, it wasn’t enough to overcome the scoreline. This thrilling contest highlighted the intense competition in Asian football, particularly with Al-Hilal aiming for their continued success in regional tournaments. The victory not only marked Neymar's return but also reinforced Al-Hilal’s status as a formidable team in the AFC Champions League Elite. In other matches, Saudi teams like Al-Ahli and Al-Sadd also enjoyed wins, showcasing the growing prominence of Saudi clubs in Asian football. However, the focus remains on Neymar’s thrilling comeback, raising anticipation for his future performances.