Saudi Al-Hilal Beats Iran's Nassaji with Hat-Trick in AFC Champions League

Al Hilal players celebrate winning the Asian Champions League last month. (SPA)
Al Hilal players celebrate winning the Asian Champions League last month. (SPA)
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Saudi Al-Hilal Beats Iran's Nassaji with Hat-Trick in AFC Champions League

Al Hilal players celebrate winning the Asian Champions League last month. (SPA)
Al Hilal players celebrate winning the Asian Champions League last month. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal FC won over its Iranian host, Nasaji Mazandaran, with three clean goals in the match that brought them together on Tuesday at Azadi Stadium in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

The game was part of the second round of the “fourth” group of the AFC Champions League 2023-2024.

Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the first goal for Al-Hilal in the 18th minute, and Brazilian star Neymar Jr. netted in the 58th minute, before Saleh Al-Shehri had the third score in the 3rd minute of the injury time, SPA reported.

With this result, Al-Hilal raised its standing to share the top spot in Group 4 with Uzbekistan's Navbakhor, with four points each, while Nasaji's score froze at three points, in the third place.



Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
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Sport Minister: Saudi Arabia Attracts 2.5 Million Tourists to 80 Global Sporting Events

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal speaks at the event. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal praised on Wednesday the Saudi leadership's support for the sports sector, which has driven its growth and elevated its global recognition.

Speaking at the 2025 Budget Forum, the minister highlighted the sector's significant role in boosting tourism, noting that over the past four years, 80 international events have attracted 2.5 million tourists.

For instance, Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact on the city.

The minister underscored the private sector's vital role in the sports industry, saying 14 clubs have been offered for privatization, attracting interest from 25 companies, with notable attention from international investors.

He also highlighted the success of the Nafis platform, which has licensed 2,000 academies and 500 clubs, enabling some to transition into operating as companies.

Moreover, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the global reach of Saudi sporting events, including the Saudi League, which is broadcast in over 160 countries. The international visibility has resulted in substantial investment and strengthened the global presence of Saudi sports.