AFC Champions League Elite - Cesar, Inzaghi pleased with Al Hilal’s measured performance

Doha: Midfielder Caio Cesar credited Al Hilal SFC’s cohesion as the Saudi Pro League side continued their flawless run in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26 with a 2-1 defeat of Qatar’s Al Gharafa SC on Monday.

Simone Inzaghi’s side displayed their trademark control and efficiency as they made it four wins out of four with Round of 16 qualification almost surely sealed.

#ACLElite | Al Gharafa SC (QAT) 1-2 Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

“I thank everyone for their hard work; it was a collective effort from all the players,” said Cesar, who was named Player of the Match. “We played a good match, scoring two goals and I was chosen as the best player. This reflects the team's work throughout the week and since the beginning of the season.

“Today's match is a continuation of that work. I always give my all, whether I play or not. We all try to work collectively, and I give everything I have and wait for my chance. I will give everything to achieve victory.”

Head coach Inzaghi praised his side’s focus and adaptability, highlighting the importance of rotating the squad while maintaining results.

“Today was an important match, and we had to win. We could have scored more than two goals,” said Inzaghi. “We rotated the squad due to the busy schedule - players like Abdullah Al Hamdan and Yusuf (Akcicek) played - and now we're focusing on recovery for Friday's (Saudi Pro League) match.

“We have an excellent medical staff, and we all work together as a strong group for the team. (Darwin) Nunez, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Malcom are in the final stages of their treatment and may be ready for Friday. Malcom’s injury against Al Ahli (Saudi FC) affected him, but he’s walking well.”

Al Gharafa head coach Pedro Martins admitted his team were punished by Al Hilal’s sharpness but was pleased with his team’s performance in the second half.

“We played against one of the best teams in Asia,” said the Portuguese coach. “We've faced teams like Al Ahli, but Al Hilal are more complete and have outstanding players."

“The pace of the first half wasn’t high and we conceded a goal. We tried to raise the tempo, but Al Hilal found spaces and scored a second. We had a positive reaction in the second half.

“We are focusing on the AFC Champions League Elite, and as a club, we aspire to qualify for the next round.”

Al Hilal will be aiming to stay on their purple patch when they meet Iraq’s Al Shorta on November 25 with Al Gharafa facing Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates a day earlier.

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