AFC Champions League Elite - Preview: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Al Rayyan: Al Gharafa SC couldn't have asked for tougher opponents in their bid to stay in the race for a spot in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26.

The Qatari side host Al Hilal SFC, with the four-time Asian champions the only team with a perfect record across both zones.

Al Gharafa failed to sustain the high of defeating Iraq's Al Shorta on Matchday Two as they succumbed to a 4-0 defeat against defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC two weeks ago.

While they will hope home ground advantage helps them, their track record against Al Hilal is very much in favour of the Saudi Pro League side, who have won five of their seven previous meetings - including the last two.

An admirable trait that Al Hilal have shown this season is their ability to grind out results as they attempt to overcome last season's disappointment of exiting at the semi-final stage.

They have responded to every challenge with calm focus but will have to be tighter at the back, having not been able to keep a clean sheet in all three earlier matches.

Al Gharafa SC (QAT) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)
Venue: Thani Bin Jassim Stadium (Al Rayyan)
Kick-off: Monday, 21:15 (UTC+3)

Preview: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

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