While his former club, PSG, is playing his first match in the UEFA Champions League against Dortmund this Tuesday, Neymar Jr. was playing his first match in the AFC Champions League (Asian Association of Clubs) this Monday evening. The result, unfortunately, was not favorable for the Brazilians and Al-Hilal.
Despite the presence of the Brazilian number 10 at the kick-off, but also the presence of three other strong recruits (Ruben Neves, Malcolm and Alexander Mitrovic), the “Blue Waves” could do no better than a draw (1–1). Uzbek club PFC Navbahor Namangan. Neymar’s teammates, who were booked in the 60th minute, were also behind for a good part of the second half, when the visitors opened the scoring through Toma Tabatadze (52nd). It was a goal from defender Ali Alboulayhi a few seconds before the end of the match that allowed Al-Hilal to avoid defeat (90th + 10th).
The Brazilian played his first minutes in a Saudi team jersey last weekend. A more decisive start, with a big win in the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh (6-1) and an assist to his credit. Brazil’s debut on the Asian continental scene was less impressive.