Darwin Nunez’s double keeps Al-Hilal undefeated in the Asian Champions League

Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal secured a 2-1 win over Al-Wahda of the United Arab Emirates in Riyadh on Monday to advance to the knockout rounds of the Asian Champions League Elite with the competition’s only remaining unbeaten record.

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez scored twice for Simone Inzaghi’s side, including the 77th-minute winner, as the four-time champions finished top of the western group stage standings with seven wins and a draw from eight matches.

Nunez, who has been left out of Al-Hilal’s squad for the second half of the Saudi league season following the arrival of Karim Benzema, headed a header from a Ruben Neves free-kick for his side’s opener in the 19th minute, with Brahima Diarra leveling for the visitors 13 minutes later.

But the Uruguayan earned Al-Hilal all three points when he pushed the ball to the far post from a low cross.

Shabab Al-Ahli confirmed its progress to the last 16 despite a 4-3 loss to defending champions Al-Ahli, but Sharjah FC’s 2-1 defeat to Uzbekistan’s Nasaf guaranteed the Dubai side would finish in the top eight.

Qatar’s Al-Duhail will have to wait to learn his fate after losing 3-2 to Iraq’s already eliminated Al-Shorta in Baghdad.

Mohammad Juma struck his side’s third in the fifth of seven minutes of stoppage time to keep Matthias Jaissle’s side holding on for the win.

Two goals in a minute from Bouly Sambou secured Al-Shorta’s first win of the campaign, leaving Al-Duhail sweating over the outcome of Tuesday’s matches, as Al-Sadd took on Al-Ittihad and Al-Gharafa took on Tractor FC.

The top eight finishers will progress to the round of 16 in March, while the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will be played in a centralized format in Jeddah in April.

Published on February 17, 2026