Titleholders Al-Hilal storm into quarterfinals of AFC Champions League

DOHA: Al-Hilal moved closer to Asian title number five after the defending champions booked a berth in the last eight of the Asian Champions League on Monday with a 3-1 win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the UAE.

It was a clinical performance from a team that just loves the tournament, and not many would bet against a third triumph in four years.

As soon as Odion Ighalo fired home the 17th-minute opener, the four-time winners looked to be on their way to the quarters, although the ride was bumpy at times until Jang Hyun-soo provided a second-half cushion.

That took the wind out of the opponents’ sails, even before Luciano Vietto added a third with 12 minutes remaining.

Former Al-Hilal striker Omar Khribin scored against his old club eight minutes later but it turned out to be a consolation.

Now to the quarters, which take place on Thursday. All knockout games are being held in Qatar, with Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab, who defeated Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf on Sunday, also making it through.

Earlier in the day, Al-Faisaly lost 1-0 to Foolad of Iran. Sasan Ansari scored the only goal of the game just after the hour to deny the second-tier team, and Saudi Arabia a third representative in the last eight.

Al-Hilal are still the team to beat. Their last game had been in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, which they lost 5-3 to Real Madrid, but their clash against Shabab Al-Ahli was very different.

Al-Ahli should have taken the lead early on but Yahya Al-Ghassani blasted over despite finding himself in space.

Within moments, Ighalo showed how it was done. Found by Moussa Marega in a central position, the Nigerian turned and then skipped past the challenge of Mohammed Marzooq to fire a low shot past Majed Naser.

Vietto’s cross only