October 22, 2024, Riyadh——Brazilian star Neymar made a triumphant return on October 21, 2024, helping Al Hilal defeat Al Ain 5-4 in the third round of the Asian Champions League. After more than a year recovering from a left knee injury, Neymar's return brought renewed hope to fans and the team.
Moments of Brilliance in the Match
In the thrilling game at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Neymar entered the second half, replacing Nasser Al-Dawsari. In just 28 minutes of play, the forward made a significant impact. In the 42nd minute, Neymar received a precise pass from Milinkovic Savic and, in a quick move, attempted a shot from the edge of the area, but the attempt was saved by goalkeeper Khaled Essa. After the match, Neymar expressed his happiness: "I feel very good. It was tough, but we have a great team. I'm really happy to be back."
Al Hilal's Path in the Champions League
With the victory, Al Hilal now leads its group in the Champions League, accumulating 9 points. The team is preparing to face Al Taawon on October 26, but Neymar will not be available for this match, as he is registered only for the Champions League and the King's Cup of Saudi Arabia. However, he is expected to return on October 29 to face Al Taee in the King's Cup and is anticipated to play again in the Champions League on November 4.
Neymar: A Year of Recovery
Neymar suffered a serious knee injury during the match against Uruguay in the qualifiers on October 17, 2023. He underwent a long and arduous recovery process. His return is crucial for Al Hilal's offensive system, providing a significant boost to the team. The coaching staff, led by coach Jorge Jesus, is also closely monitoring Neymar's recovery status.
Media Comments: The Importance of Neymar's Return
Argentinian media, such as the newspaper Olé, praised Neymar's return, seeing it as a great benefit for Al Hilal in the pursuit of the Club World Cup title. The analysis highlights that Neymar's return not only strengthens the team but also brings emotional and technical leadership to the Brazilian national team. There is growing anticipation that Neymar will play a key role in the upcoming matches.
Next Match for Al Hilal
The next match for Al Hilal is scheduled for Monday (October 26), at 1 PM Brasília time, against Al Taawon in Riyadh. However, Neymar will not be on the field, as he is only registered for the Champions League and the King's Cup.
Thus, the forward may return to play on October 29, at 12:05 PM, at the Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musa'ed Stadium, against Al Taee in the King's Cup.
Return to the Brazilian National Team
The CBF is closely monitoring Neymar's situation for the international dates in November. The call-up for the Brazilian national team is expected to be sent by October 27, and expectations are high following his performance in the match against Al Ain. Brazil will face Venezuela on November 14 and Uruguay on November 19, both valid for the World Cup qualifiers.
