Al Hilal left with much to do as Urawa hold hosts in Asian Champions League final opener

Asian Champions League holders Al Hilal face an uphill battle to retain their title after being held to a disappointing draw in the first leg of the competition's final.

Hilal, who are also the tournament’s record winners, could not find an advantage against familiar foes Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday night in Riyadh, the hosts up early in the first leg and then pegged back.

The opening stanza of an unprecedented third Asian Champions League showpiece between the pair finished 1-1, with Hilal's Salem Al Dawsari seeing red late on - much to the dismay of a trembling King Fahd International Stadium that had called and cried out for more.

Of course, they have been spoilt of late. Hilal are contesting a fifth Champions League final in nine years, hunting down a history-extending fifth continental crown. Three have come in the past four editions.

Urawa, those rivals from recent past, are not so decorated – the 2017 victory against Hilal represented their second title – but they bring back their 2019 conquerors to Saitama next Saturday as the sudden favourites for the trophy.

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