Asian Champions League final: Al Hilal need to show champion courage in face of adversity

Having let slip the lead in the match, Al Hilal relinquished control of the tie.

The Asian Champions League holders were 1-0 up in last week’s first leg of the final in Riyadh, Salem Al Dawsari converting Michael’s low cross early against Urawa Red Diamonds to hand Hilal the perfect start.

There were 13 minutes on the clock at a fervent King Fahd International Stadium. Hilal, already record winners of the continent’s most coveted crown, looked set to take a huge stride towards a fifth title, and third in four years.

But they allowed Urawa back in. Ali Al Bulaihi’s mistake on 53 minutes created to Shinzo Koroki’s equaliser, and Hilal never quite responded.

Then, not long before the end, another, potentially decisive, blow. Al Dawsari tangled on the turf with Urawa’s Ken Iwao and, as he attempted to break free, stuck his studs into his marker. Just like in the 2017 showpiece, also in confrontation with Urawa, Al Dawsari saw red.

Six years ago, the sending off arrived towards the end of the second leg in Saitama when the aggregate score sat at 1-1. Less than 10 minutes after that dismissal, Urawa struck to seal the trophy.

However, following another transgression, Al Dawsari’s absence will be keenly felt this time, too. It may prove pivotal.

As it is, Hilal head into Saturday’s return fixture on the outskirts of Tokyo shorn not only of a healthy advantage from their home leg, but of their chief attacking threat.

Typically, Al Dawsari is the man for the grand stage: the opener in the second game of the 2019 final against Urawa, providing the platform for Hilal to exact revenge for the defeat two years before. Twin converted penalties in this year’s Fifa Club World Cup semi-final, securing a historic appearance in the decider