Hernandez and Savic Light Up Asia: Al Hilal’s Bold Breakthrough Against Nasaf
29 septembre 2025
Tonight's match saw Al Hilal Saudi FC host Nasaf Qarshi, with two foreign stars stealing the spotlight: French forward Theo Hernandez and Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Al Hilal visited Nasaf on Monday evening for the second round of the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, fresh from a 2-1 win over Al Duhail.
Savic opened the scoring after 21 minutes, capitalizing on a catastrophic error by Nasaf's goalkeeper to fire home with clinical precision.
Theo Hernandez doubled the lead in stoppage time, weaving through the defense to slot home from inside the box.
The display suggested a cohesive Hilal capable of imposing its style on tough opponents, as Savic's return to scoring, paired with Hernandez's attacking threat, highlighted the team's depth.
This performance gave fans renewed confidence that the club can go far in a tournament that has long eluded the Saudi powerhouse.
A New Era Begins
Milinkovic-Savic shed his old label and opened a new chapter by scoring against Nasaf, his first since joining under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi.
The Serbian has been a cornerstone for Inzaghi since arriving, yet he had previously failed to find the net across ten matches spanning the Club World Cup, Roshen League, the King's Cup, and the ACL.
After 126 days, his strike pushed his tally to 56 contributions in 107 appearances for Hilal, including 32 goals and 24 assists.
End of the Curse
That goal ended a personal drought for Savic since May 2025, and it sparked momentum heading into the rest of the campaign.
Hernandez's continued impact has etched his name into Hilal's history, not merely as a left-back but as a genuine attacking weapon.
Hernandez Writes History
Arriving from Milan two months earlier for 25 million euros, the Frenchman adapted quickly, delivering performances that underline his continental experience.
He has already notched his fourth goal across all competitions this season, including his brace against Duhail in the opening round, confirming his status as a marquee signing.
If Hernandez keeps this level, he could be the best left-back in Hilal's history in terms of scoring and influence.
Hernandez is not just a defender; he is a weapon for coach Inzaghi, capable of breaking lines, delivering crosses, and finding the back of the net from distance.
With teammates like Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcolm on the wings, Hernandez remains the most dangerous player in the lineup since his arrival.
If this form continues, the Saudis may have found a new blueprint for success in Asia's premier club competition.
Punchline 1: If this duo keeps lighting up the scoreboard, even the trophy cabinet will need sunglasses.
Punchline 2: The only thing louder than the celebrations? The crowd’s roar when these two cut loose again.
