“It will be a difficult match at the best of times because you can never take any match as easy but we are enthusiastic to win the match and the competition,” said Neves.

“We will have to do our best to improve because this competition is on another level and there won’t be time for correction due to the closeness of the fixtures, so we have to be ready.”

The Portuguese international is in his second season with Al Hilal and has already tasted success by winning the Saudi Pro League 2023/24 but had to endure a semi-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Al Ain FC in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.

The ongoing season has also been full of challenges, with Neves sidelined for the longest duration of his playing career after suffering a patellar tendon rupture in October 2024, which caused him to be out for close to three months. 

Having returned to action in January, Neves believes he is close to his best again as he prepares to compete against Korea Republic’s Gwangju FC at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Friday.

“After an injury, it’s normal to take time to come back to your best self. At the beginning, it was important to focus purely on the physical side and make sure I got back to the right level. 

“After that, I focused on my performances and I’m thankful to the team for helping me all the way. Now that I've played in the last 10 games, I’m confident that I’m at a good level to help my team.”

For the 28-year-old former Porto FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers player, the opportunity to face teams from the East Zone for the first time represents a new challenge but is confident the homework done will be sufficient to take them through to a third semi-final in four seasons. 

“Their techniques are obviously clear to see so there will be no excuses. They are a very competitive team who are of a high level. 

“They have a good forward player (Jasir Asani) who is the top scorer of the competition. We have studied their play and style and we are prepared to face them.”