Jorge Jesus: Mumbai is organised team, match was balanced in first half

Al Hilal are the current group leaders due to goal difference.

Al Hilal SFC‘s patient approach paid dividends as the Saudi Pro League side notched a 2-0 win over Mumbai City in Group D of the AFC Champions League 2023/24 on Monday.

Victory was secured after Mumbai City went down to 10 men, with Michael and Aleksandar Mitrovic scoring for the two-time AFC Champions League winners.

The triumph took Al Hilal to 10 points, level with Uzbekistan’s Navbahor but top of the group on goal difference. 

Despite having beaten the Indian side 6-0 in their reverse encounter, head coach Jorge Jesus’ expectations of a tough match materialised. 

“As I expected the match was difficult, Mumbai is an organised team, and the match was balanced (in the first half).

“This match was similar to the previous match, as Mumbai played very well in the first half, but we knew that as the game progressed, they would get tired and we would be in control,” said Jesus. 

Making things even more difficult for Mumbai City was the depth of the Al Hilal squad, with the absence of the injured Neymar not a factor. 

“We have a strong squad, and today I prefered to use Hassan Tambakti instead of Ali Al Bulaihi, because I trust them both.”

Up next for Al Hilal are Navbahor on November 28, with the match likely to decide the group winners. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.