Darwin Núñez Sparks Spotlight as Al Hilal Edges UAE’s Al Wahda in Elite AFC Clash
17 February 2026
Darwin Núñez, the Al Hilal striker, took the opportunity in the UAE clash against Al Wahda to shine in the final group stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Núñez scored two goals to lift the Saudi giants to a 2-1 win, with coach Simone Inzaghi fielding a mix of starters and substitutes who haven't had regular minutes this season.
Critic Magdy Abed noted that the performance could mark a turning point in Núñez's future, hinting he may stay with the team and be registered only on the Asian roster.
Inzaghi kept a balanced lineup, but the task was done: win and move forward. Núñez's brace earned him the Man of the Match award and fueled talk that he will remain with Al Hilal for the AFC list.
Rumors that Argentine clubs were eyeing the Uruguayan forward were downplayed as Núñez reiterated his commitment to Al Hilal.
Punchline 1: If Núñez keeps scoring like this, the trophy will need a passport.
Punchline 2: The ball finally learned to shoot—and it’s charging rent for all the space in the back of the net.
