Owing to Berg’s Double Goals: Al Ain Register A Crucial Win Over Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal
In the presence of 15,126 spectators, the “Boss” deservedly register a crucial 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal scored by Marcos Berg at “42” and “45” from the penalty spot. Al Hilal scored earlier at the “7” minute of the match by Al Burayk. The match witnessed 3 penalty kicks in favour of Al Ain as “Amoory” was brought down twice inside the box and he missed the first at “24” while Berg successfully scored the second. The third penalty kick was due to tackling Rayan from behind and bring him down and again Berg scored the second and leading goal for the “Boss”. By this result, the “Boss” moves forward to the second spot by seven points behind Iran’s Esteghlal Tehran FC, who have nine in their balance.
Zoran’s squad included: Khalid Issa, goalkeeper, defenders Ismail Ahmed, Mohannad Salem, Mohammed Ahmed and Shiotani, midfielders Amer Abdul Rahman, Rayan, Mohammed Abdul Rahman and Omar Abdul Rahman and in front line Caio Lucas and Marcos Berg.
Since the first minute Amoory threatened Al Hilal and was about to sting Al Hilal back net and presenting his team the lead following receiving a stunning pass behind defenders but Al Hilal goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.
Al Hilal geared up promptly and responded via launching a sudden attack but Khaled Issa was in the right position and kept his net clean turning the ball into a corner kick. Al Hilal exploited a free kick out of Al Ain’s box and Al Burayk scored his team’s first and only goal at “7” minute.
Al Ain sought to stand tall and level the result. At “20” Berg wasted a great opportunity when he received a deft pass from Amoory and found himself face to face with the goalkeeper and put the ball over the goalkeeper but the defender cleared it away.
As a result of Al Ain’s nonstop pressure, in the 23rd minute, Al Hilal’s Mohammed Jahfali brought down Omar Abdul Rahman inside the box and referee pointed it out to the spot. Unfortunately, Amoory could not make it and Al Habsi palmed his shot off “24”.
Al Ain went on their attacking attempts while Al Hilal relied heavily on counter-attacks. At “38” Khaled Issa came up with a stunning save when Bencharki send a header and Khaled put it off brilliantly. Excitement increased in the 40th minute when the referee pointed to the penalty spot for the second time when Al Hilal’s defender brought Amoory down inside the box. This time, Berg sent it successfully into the back net of Al Habsi and levelling the result at “41”. The referee and for the third time pointed out to the penalty spot but this time for pushing Rayan from behind inside Al Hilal’s box. Again, Berg successfully sent it into Al Habsi’s net and announcing Al Ain’s lead at “45”.
In the second half, Croatia’s Zoran substituted Ismail Ahmad by Bandar Al Ahbabi. Al Ain saved no time since the kick-off whistle and launched attacks against the opponent team to consolidate their lead. At “53” Caio sent Rayan a pass but the latter sent powerfully over the bar. Berg was not also in a better situation when he sent a brilliant header but Al Habsi held the ball in his hands “55”.
The “Boss” intensified their pressure and at “63” Amoory directed a powerful shot but over the bar. Again, Berg was so close to score his hattrick goal when he received a genuine cross from Brazilian Caio but he chipped the ball over the onrushing Al Habsi to hit the bar “69”. One minute later, Berg wasted again another chance to score when Al Hilal defender intercepted his shot sending it out to be a corner kick. At “80” Ahmad Khalil substituted Berg and the referee granted Mohammed Abdul Rahman a second yellow card to be sent off the pitch with a red card in his pocket at “90”. Following that, Mohammed Fayez replaced Amoory to play the last minutes of the match. Then, the referee whistled to end the match while the scoreboard showing 2-1 in favour of Al Ain.
