The technical staff of Al-Hilal Saudi Club announced the official list and starting lineup with which the team will play its anticipated match this evening against its counterpart Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai of the UAE, within the competitions of the AFC Champions League, in a match awaited by fans of Asian and Gulf football.

Surprises in the lineup... Mendesh and Simon are starters

The official squad list for Al-Hilal held pleasant surprises for the club's fans, as the coach decided to include the newly signed duo, Simon and Sultan Mandash, in the starting lineup for the first time since joining the team during the recent winter transfer window. This bold move aims to bolster the Blue team's attacking and defensive options and inject fresh blood capable of making a difference in major continental matches.

Details of Al-Hilal's official lineup

The coaching staff has settled on the following names to represent the team in this important match:

• Goalkeeper: Mathieu.
• Defense line: Hassan Tambakti, Mari, Akchichik.
• Midfield: Sergej Savic, Murad Hawsawi, Theo Hernandez, Darcy.
• Attack line: Sultan Mandash, Simon, Nunez.

Al-Hilal and the challenge of the AFC Champions League Elite

This match holds special significance as it falls within the AFC Champions League, the premier club competition in Asia under its new name and format. Al-Hilal, the record holder for the most Asian titles, aims to reaffirm its continental dominance and continue its winning streak. The inclusion of established stars like Savic and Nunez, alongside new signings, reflects the coaching staff's desire to secure an early victory and send a strong message to their rivals that Al-Hilal is ready to compete for the title.

The importance of the meeting and the expectations of the fans

Matches between Saudi and Emirati clubs are always considered a "Gulf derby," characterized by intense rivalry and excitement. Al-Hilal hopes to secure three points with this balanced attacking lineup to solidify their position in the standings and comfortably guarantee qualification for the knockout stages. Al-Hilal fans are eagerly anticipating the integration of new players, particularly Sultan Mandash and Simon, and how they will be tactically integrated alongside established stars like Theo Hernandez and Savic, promising a thrilling match worthy of both teams' reputations.

With 21 rounds of the Saudi Professional League for the 2025-2026 season completed, Greek star Kostas Fortounis has established himself as one of the brightest names in Saudi football, delivering exceptional performances with Al-Khaleej Club, becoming the main pillar on which the team relies to build its attacks and achieve victories.

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Fortounis's brilliance was no accident; it was the result of tireless work and exceptional talent. He is considered the most influential and effective player in Al-Dana's squad this season. Official statistics indicate that the Greek playmaker has participated in 18 out of 21 matches, leaving an indelible mark by scoring 7 crucial goals. However, Fortounis's true value lies in his role as the architect of attacking plays, providing 11 assists for his teammates, bringing his total goal contributions to 18 – a figure that reflects his high quality and consistent performance.

European experience in Saudi stadiums

Fortounis's brilliance with Al-Khaleej is rooted in a rich footballing background. Having graced European pitches, particularly with Greek club Olympiacos and the Greek national team, he brought his accumulated experience to the Roshan League. This experience helped him quickly adapt to the highly competitive atmosphere of the Saudi league, which now boasts a host of world-class stars. Fortounis's ability to read the game and control its tempo gave Al-Khaleej a clear tactical advantage over their opponents, confirming the club's success in acquiring such a top-class professional.

A pivotal role in an exceptional season for the Gulf

Fortunis played a pivotal and crucial role in the difficult moments the team faced this season. In matches characterized by the opponents' defensive tactics, Fortunis' individual brilliance and incisive passes proved key to unlocking defenses and securing three points. This performance directly contributed to strengthening Al-Khaleej's position in the standings, ensuring their safety and positioning in contention for higher spots, far removed from the complexities of relegation.

Looking ahead: The decisive moment is approaching

As the league enters its decisive stages, all eyes are on Fortounis to continue his impressive form. Al-Khaleej fans and sports analysts alike believe that the Greek star's continued brilliance will be the deciding factor in determining the team's final position. In short, Kostas Fortounis has embodied the complete player of the 2025-26 season, combining the goal-scoring instinct of a striker with the vision of a playmaker, making him truly Al-Khaleej's key player and one of the Saudi League's icons this year.

Amidst growing speculation surrounding the upcoming transfer window, Brazilian coach Filipe Luis, manager of Flamengo, issued important statements clarifying his club's position regarding reports linking them to his compatriot Marcos Leonardo, the Al-Hilal striker. These statements come at a time of significant activity between Brazilian and Saudi Arabian clubs in the sporting arena.

In statements reported by the newspaper "Bolavip," Filipe Luis emphasized that the issue of new signings and contracts is a purely administrative matter falling under the purview of the club's board of directors. The young coach explained that his technical role requires him to focus entirely on the current group of players and work on developing their performance to bring out their best and ensure continued competitiveness for titles. He stated, "Everyone expresses their opinion on transfers, but the final decision remains solely with the club and its management," demonstrating his professionalism in separating the technical and administrative aspects.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian transfer market is witnessing a fierce battle to secure the services of the 22-year-old striker. Besides Flamengo, major clubs such as Palmeiras and São Paulo, as well as his former club Santos, have expressed serious interest in signing the player. Press reports indicate that Flamengo is considering the most financially advantageous option to complete the deal, with a loan with an option to buy appearing to be the most likely scenario, given the player's high market value.

These moves are particularly significant given the radical changes underway in Al-Hilal's attacking lineup. Sources indicate that the club is now forced to release one of its foreign strikers, with the choice currently between Marcos Leonardo and his teammate Darwin Nunez. This strategic decision aims to free up a roster spot for the French star Karim Benzema, who recently joined from Al-Ittihad, in preparation for upcoming domestic and continental competitions that demand peak readiness.

It is worth noting that Marcos Leonardo joined Al-Hilal in September 2024 from Benfica of Portugal in a huge deal worth 40 million euros, with a long-term contract extending until June 2029. Brazilian and Saudi fans alike are waiting to see what the coming days will bring, and whether the Brazilian talent will return home through Flamengo or will have another destination.