a
Brazilian superstar Neymar returned to action on Monday after more than a year out, featuring as a second-half substitute in Al Hilal’s gripping 5-4 victory over Asian champions Al Ain in the UAE.
The 32-year-old forward, formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, had been sidelined since rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during international duty in October last year. Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, underwent surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Making his first appearance for Al Hilal since his injury, Neymar came on in the 76th minute of the Asian Champions Elite match at the Hazzan Bin Zayed Stadium. By then, Al Hilal were leading 5-3, thanks to goals from Renan Lodi, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a hat-trick from Salem Al Dawsari.
Though Neymar has yet to be registered for the Saudi Pro League until January, Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus emphasized the importance of easing Neymar back through game time to regain his top form. “There are some risks, but it’s the only way to bring him back at his highest level,” said Jesus.
The match itself was a high-octane affair. Al Hilal opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Lodi, with Al Ain equalizing just before halftime. Hilal regained the advantage through Milinkovic-Savic and a pair of goals from Al Dawsari, but Al Ain continued to fight back, led by Soufiane Rahimi, who completed a hat-trick in injury time. Despite a late surge from Al Ain, Al Hilal held on for the win, remaining top of their group with three victories from three games.
Neymar had limited time to influence the match, narrowly missing a shot in the final moments, but his return signals a promising step in his recovery.
