5 things we learned after Matchday 3 of AFC Champions League

DIYADH: After three games played, we are at the halfway point of the group stage. It was another exciting round of action. Here are five things we learned.

1. Al-Faraj keeps Al-Hilal perfect

Al-Hilal defeated Istiklol 1-0 to get revenge for their 4-1 loss from last year, but more importantly to move five points clear at the top of Group A with three wins from three. Another win in the next matchday could even put the defending champions in the knockout stages with two games to spare.

The Riyadh men were on top for most of the game with over three-quarters of the ball, but they found a well-organized defence in front of them and a Tajikistan attack that was still able to forge a couple of good chances.

It could have been a frustrating evening but then early in the second half, Salman Al-Faraj got the all-important goal with a nicely timed run to finish off an inviting cross from Yasser Al-Shehrani, but the captain was everywhere in attack. The whole array of flicks, feints and passes were on display to help keep the Central Asians on the back foot, with help from the lively Salem Al-Dawsari. This is an Al-Hilal team in great form and full of confidence and belief that they can beat anyone in Asia.

2. A welcome point and a good lesson for Al-Shabab

After starting the group with two comfortable wins, the Riyadh club were relieved to get a last gasp equalizer and a 1-1 draw with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

Still, Al-Shabab should have had three points in the bag long before the Iraqis took the lead completely against the run of play midway through the second half — and it was a poor goal to concede from a set piece. The Saudi team made and wasted many chances with Cameroonian striker John Mary the chief culprit. The situation