A Storied Edge: Al Hilal Aims to Extend Dominance Over Al-Gharafa
2 November 2025
Overview
Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia travels to Doha to face Al-Gharafa of Qatar on Monday, in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite. The Blue Wave sit atop the Group West Asia, aiming to extend their winning run and stay on the summit, hoping their history of success against Qatari clubs can tilt the balance in this Gulf derby.
The visit comes as Hilal pursue another victory to reinforce their position at the top, while Al-Gharafa seek to upset the favorite in a competition known for its dramatic moments and late twists. This is more than a single match; it is a test of depth, form, and the intangible advantage that comes with a proven track record against regional rivals.
Historical edge and head-to-head against Qatar clubs
Across 43 matches against Qatar-based clubs, Hilal has won 25, drawn 10, and lost 8. Al-Sadd has been the most frequent opponent among Qatar’s sides, meeting Hilal 16 times with a record of 9 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses for the Saudi side. Al-Rayyan follows with 11 meetings (Hilal winning 7, drawing 2, and losing 2). Al-Duhail have faced Hilal eight times, with 4 wins, 3 draws, and a single loss for the visitors.
The fixture list shows Hilal’s recurring challenges and, more importantly, the historic upper hand they hold over their Qatari counterparts. This is not merely about current form; it is about a longstanding dynamic that has often given Hilal an added psychological edge in these meetings.
Against Al-Gharafa: head-to-head and recent encounter context
Al-Gharafa sits fourth in the list of Qatar clubs most frequently facing Hilal, with seven clashes to date. Hilal has won five of those, drawn one, and suffered one defeat. The most notable chapter in this subset was back in 2010, when the Qatari side overturned a tie with a 4-2 victory in the away leg of the ACL quarterfinals, a match that stretched into extra time.
Their most recent meeting came in the previous season’s AFC Champions League Elite, where Hilal claimed a 3-0 win in Riyadh, courtesy of Brazilian Marcus Leonardo and the Serbian duo Sergej Savic and Aleksandar Mitrović. The result reinforced Hilal’s local strength and highlighted the quality available in the squad to convert chances when it counts.
Squad status and match context
On the injury front, Al Hilal announced that Sergej Savic and Darwin Núñez continued with their rehabilitation program. They trained in dedicated facilities but remain unavailable for selection in the forthcoming match at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Doha, as the team navigates through a crucial phase of the Elite competition.
Meanwhile, Ali Al-Bulayhi and Hassan Tamakti were unable to travel with the squad due to illness, reducing options for the Saudi side. Despite the setbacks, Hilal entered the match with a strong record in the group and a squad capable of adapting to evolving game situations while maintaining high intensity.
Darwin Núñez has appeared eight times across competitions this season, scoring four goals and adding two assists, underscoring the depth of attacking threat at the club. Sergej Savic, who renewed his contract to 2028, continues to contribute during a period of renewed focus and performance, having already logged over 100 appearances since joining in 2023, with a tally of 31 goals and 27 assists across all competitions.
In shorter terms, Hilal arrives with a robust mix of experience and talent, while still managing fitness concerns that can shift the balance of a tightly contested group. The expected challenge from Al-Gharafa will test their discipline, but the historical data and current form suggest a favorable outlook for the visitors, provided they manage the squad carefully and stay focused on the job at hand.
Punchline time, because even football doesn’t want to miss a joke: If Hilal wins, the scoreboard might file a tax return for all the deductions in their favor. Punchline number two: The only thing louder than the crowd will be the saving of a clean sheet—let’s hope the goalkeeper brings earplugs for the celebrations.
