Neymar Makes Long-Awaited Return in Al Hilal’s Epic 5-4 Win Over Al Ain

Brazilian superstar Neymar returned to action on Monday after over a year away from the field, coming on as a second-half substitute in Al Hilal’s dramatic 5-4 win against Asian champions Al Ain in the UAE.

The 32-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, had been sidelined since suffering a meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee while on international duty last October.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, underwent surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period. He was named on Al Hilal’s bench for the first time since his injury, and entered the game in the 76th minute at a packed Hazzan Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

At that point, the Saudi Pro League leaders were ahead 5-3, thanks to goals from Renan Lodi, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a hat-trick from Salem Al Dawsari.

However, Neymar cannot officially be registered for the Saudi top flight until January.

“I need to get Neymar ready through game time; it’s the only way to bring him back to his best,” said Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus. “There are risks for the team, but we must use these games to prepare him.”

Al Hilal took the lead in the 26th minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic set up Lodi, whose low shot beat Al Ain’s goalkeeper Khalid Essa. Six minutes before halftime, Al Ain equalized through Soufiane Rahimi, who slid in a cross.

In stoppage time of the first half, Hilal pulled away. Joao Cancelo provided a cross for Milinkovic-Savic to head home, and moments later, Al Dawsari doubled the lead with a skillful finish.

Al Ain pulled one back through substitute Mateo Sanabria after the hour mark, but Al Dawsari scored his second of the night shortly after, extending Hilal’s lead to 5-3. Rahimi scored again minutes later to make it 5-4, but Al Dawsari completed his hat-trick with a long-range strike, restoring the two-goal cushion.

The drama intensified late in the game when Hilal’s Ali Al Bulaihi was sent off for a handball, and Rahimi converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick. Despite the pressure, Hilal held on for the win.

Neymar had limited time to make an impact, narrowly missing a chance in the final moments of normal time.

Hilal now lead their group in the Western region with three wins from three matches, while Al Ain remain with just one point.

(Adapted from AFP)