Mumbai City vs Al Hilal: Three key battles to decide AFC Champions League tie

Mumbai City were thrashed 6-0 in their last meeting with Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League.

Mumbai City FC and Al Hilal are gearing up for an epic showdown in the AFC Champions League 2023-24, with the stage set at the electric DY Patil Stadium. In their recent encounter, Al Hilal left an indelible mark, steamrolling past the Indian club with a resounding 6-0 victory. 

It’s all down to the second leg for the Islanders, who will be entering the match after an astounding comeback against Punjab FC in the ISL 2023-24 season. With the quality of the players Al Hilal have; it will be a daunting task for Des Buckingham’s army to clinch the victory.

Let’s take a look at the three key battles which can decide the outcome of this tie:

3. Jorge Pereyra Diaz vs Kalidou Koulibaly

The Argentine footballer has created quite a buzz in the ISL market, after his back-to-back commanding performances in the league. Jorge Pereyra Diaz who scored the winner against Punjab FC is also the league’s top goal-scorer with five goals so far this season. 

But, the challenge becomes formidable when you have to contend with not only Al Hilal's top defender but also one of the strongest defenders in the world, Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese is a defensive powerhouse without any discernible weaknesses, as he masterfully thwarted the formidable Jorge Pereyra Diaz at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. This battle is one of the most important ones in this clash!

2. Greg Stewart vs Ruben Neves

The Scottish international recently opened his scoring account in the ISL 2023-24 campaign with an exquisite long-range shot that found the back of the Punjab FC net. Greg Stewart is one of Des Buckingham's key players, responsible for orchestrating the game, facilitating play construction, and skillfully advancing the ball.

However, it will be no easy feat for Greg Stewart to go up against Al Hilal's star midfielder, Ruben Neves, who has been in stellar form for the Saudi-based outfit. The upcoming clash promises an exciting showdown between the midfield maestros of both teams.

1. Aleksandar Mitrovic vs Phurba Lachenpa

The man who sent shivers down Des Buckingham and his squad's spine in Riyadh, the man who netted a remarkable hat-trick against the Islanders, including a stunning bicycle kick, is set to make a return and challenge Mumbai City FC at the DY Patil Stadium.

The Al Hilal poacher Aleksandar Mitrovic will go head to head with Phurba Lachenpa, who had a tough time conceding six goals against the Saudi-based club when they clashed just a fortnight ago. Given that Phurba missed the match against Punjab FC, it presents a challenging task for the 25-year-old goalkeeper to hold back the relentless Mitrovic from scoring.