Contents
- Competition: AFC Champions League Elite
- Date: 13th April, 2026
- Kickoff: 19:00 UK / 20:00 CEST
- Venue: Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium
The AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 first-leg clash between Al Hilal and Al Sadd brings together two of West Asia’s most decorated clubs. Al Hilal enter the knockout stage as one of the strongest sides in the competition, maintaining an unbeaten run across competitions and showcasing impressive attacking output, while Al Sadd arrive as Qatar Stars League leaders with a dangerous frontline capable of troubling any defense.
Al Hilal vs Al Sadd Head to Head (H2H) stats
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Al Hilal
3 : 1
Al Sadd
AFC Champions League Elite
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Al Sadd
1 : 1
Al Hilal
AFC Champions League Elite
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Al Hilal
2 : 3
Al Sadd
Arab Club Championship
-
Al Hilal
2 : 4
Al Sadd
AFC Champions League Elite
-
Al Sadd
1 : 4
Al Hilal
AFC Champions League Elite
Recent meetings also favor Al Hilal, including a 3-1 victory earlier in the current AFC Champions League Elite campaign and a 1-1 draw in another recent encounter.
Al Hilal team overview
Al Hilal have been in formidable form heading into this tie, remaining unbeaten across competitions and recently delivering a dominant 6-0 victory over Al Kholood. Their attacking depth is one of the strongest in Asia, with multiple players contributing goals and assists throughout the season.
Statistically, Al Hilal boast a balanced attacking structure. Marcos Leonardo has reached double figures in league goals, while Rúben Neves, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Darwin Núñez have all contributed significantly in goals and assists. The squad also features high-profile players such as Sergej Milinković-Savić, Theo Hernández, and Yassine Bounou, ensuring strength in every department.
In terms of availability, Al Hilal have dealt with injury concerns during the season, including physical issues affecting key striker Aleksandar Mitrović earlier in the campaign, although squad depth has allowed them to maintain performance levels.
Last matches of Al Hilal
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Al Hilal
6 : 0
Al Kholood
Pro League
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Al Hilal
2 : 2
Al Taawoun
Pro League
-
Al Ahli
2 : 4
Al Hilal
Kings Cup
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Al Fateh
0 : 1
Al Hilal
Pro League
-
Al Hilal
4 : 0
Al Najma
Pro League
Al Hilal lineup
Goalkeeper
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37
Bono
Defenders
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24
Moteb Al-Harbi
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87
Hassan Al Tambakti
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3
Kalidou Koulibaly
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19
Theo Hernández
Midfielders
-
8
Rúben Neves
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28
Mohamed Kanno
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22
Sergej Milinković-Savić
Forwards
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10
Malcom
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29
Salem Al-Dawsari
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90
Karim Benzema
Al Sadd team overview
Al Sadd enter the match as leaders of the Qatar Stars League and arrive in solid form following a 3-1 win over Al Sailiya, with Akram Afif scoring twice and Roberto Firmino also finding the net. Their attacking trio has been instrumental in driving results domestically and in continental competition.
The Qatari side’s offensive strength is evident in recent Champions League performances, scoring 14 goals in their last five home matches in the competition. Rafa Mujica has been particularly effective in front of goal (5 goals in the competition), while Afif and Firmino continue to provide creativity and leadership in attack. However, defensive inconsistency remains a concern, especially after conceding heavily in previous continental fixtures (they lost 4-1 to Al-Ittihad).
Al Sadd’s success will largely depend on their ability to contain Al Hilal’s midfield dominance and maintain defensive compactness away from home.
Last matches of Al Sadd
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Al Sailiya
1 : 3
Al Sadd
Stars League
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Al Rayyan
1 : 1
Al Sadd
Stars League
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Al Arabi
2 : 1
Al Sadd
Stars League
-
Al Sadd
2 : 5
Umm Salal
Stars League
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Al Duhail
1 : 3
Al Sadd
Stars League
Al Sadd lineup
Goalkeeper
-
22
Meshaal Aissa Barsham
Defenders
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2
Pedro Miguel
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16
Boualem Khoukhi
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29
Romain Saïss
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6
Paulo Otávio
Midfielders
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15
Anas Abdulsalam Abweny
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33
Claudinho
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9
Roberto Firmino
Forwards
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23
Hashim Ali
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7
Akram Afif
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19
Rafa Mújica
Prediction
Al Sadd certainly possess enough attacking quality through Afif and Firmino to score, but over 90 minutes, Al Hilal’s immense attacking proficiency and home advantage should prove decisive. Moreover, there is a strong likelihood that Al Hilal will win by more than one goal - Al Sadd have lost three of their last six AFC Champions League Elite matches by a margin of over one goal.
Prediction: Al Hilal Handicap -1.5.
Three reasons we expect Al Hilal Handicap -1.5
- Al-Hilal topped the AFC Champions League Elite West division with 22 points, winning seven games and drawing once.
- Al-Hilal have won all four matches at home in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage.
- Al-Sadd’s form in this competition has not been great lately - they have lost three of their last five AFC Champions League Elite matches.
Main prediction Al Hilal - Al Sadd
AH1 (-1.5)
Best Odds: