Al Hilal Claims Victory Over Al Sadd as Matchday 2 Concludes in AFC Champions League Elite

Matchday 2 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 delivered key results across the region on Tuesday, highlighted by Al Hilal SFC’s victory on the road in Doha.

West Region Action

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal recorded their second consecutive win by defeating Qatar’s Al Sadd SC 2-0. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the first half before Ruben Neves converted a penalty kick to secure the three points, leaving Al Sadd searching for their first points of the campaign.

East Region Fixtures

In Hanoi, Kashima Antlers moved to six points after a 1-0 victory over Cong An Ha Noi FC, courtesy of a 61st-minute own goal by Nguyen Abou Leygley Minh past goalkeeper Filip Nguyen. Despite the loss, Cong An Ha Noi coach Mano Polking found encouragement in his side’s display against the reigning J1 League champions.

Beijing FC also maintained a winning record, edging Buriram United 1-0 in Thailand. Portuguese forward Fabio Abreu came off the bench as part of a triple substitution by manager Nick Montgomery, breaking the deadlock to secure the win.

Kyoto Sanga FC bounced back from their opening-match defeat by overcoming Ratchaburi FC 1-0. Substitute Temma Matsuda netted the decisive goal in the closing minutes, keeping the Thai side scoreless after two matches.

Johor Darul Ta’zim claimed their first victory of the tournament by defeating 10-man FC Pohang Steelers 2-0 at the Steelyard. The Malaysian visitors capitalized after Pohang captain Jeon Min-gwang received a red card just before halftime, with Marcos Guilherme scoring in the 49th minute and again late in regulation.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Port FC and Daejeon Hana Citizen FC played to a 1-1 draw. Prince Ampem put the Chinese Super League hosts ahead in the 49th minute, but Diogo Oliveira responded with a header from a Jeong Jae-hee cross to split the points. Both clubs now sit on four points from two matches.

Source: The AFC