In the final stretch of the Asian Champions League, Al Hilal left behind Shabab Al Ahli, Tonto, and Al Duhail (they crushed this opponent 7-0). With those precedents - and considering that Ramon Diaz's team reached the final of the last Club World Cup - André Carrillo's institution arrived with a certain favoritism to the match against Urawa Reds of Japan. However, the Peruvian winger had the misfortune of scoring an own goal.
With a 1-1 aggregate score in the first leg, the actions began with absolute parity from both teams. Al Hilal was the visitor at a Saitama Stadium in Japan that showed a large crowd, and in the second half, that unfortunate action by the Peruvian player made the venue explode.
How did it happen? Urawa Reds had a free-kick from the left sector. The ball - which sought the aerial play of one of its attackers - passed by and ended up in the feet of André Carrillo, who tried to clear the danger. Due to a miscalculation, the ball went into his own goal.
The Peruvian's perspective changed throughout the match, and this is because the score no longer moved. Despite repeated attempts, Al Hilal could not get into the game and lacked effectiveness. Urawa Reds, on the other hand, held on until the end and was crowned champion of the Asian Champions League.
The history of matches between Al Hilal and Urawa Reds shows that this was the third match in which they faced each other for an Asian Champions League final. In 2017, the Japanese club took the victory, and in 2019, André Carrillo's team were crowned champions in this international tournament.
They sought to save the season
For Al Hilal, this match was one of the most crucial in the season. And it is because they have few chances to win the local tournament (they are in fourth place with 49 points; the first is Al Ittihad with 59). For now, they will only have to continue fighting against strong opponents like Al Nassr and Al Ittihad, who have a better score.
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