Riyad Mahrez sets up Al Shamal double in Al Hilal clash

Riyad Mahrez produced two assists as Al Shamal faced Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite, recreating a feat he first achieved against the Saudi club with Al Ahli last year.

Al Hilal visited Al Shamal at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Tuesday for the third round of the competition’s league phase.

Mahrez created Al Shamal’s second goal in the 48th minute with a low cross into the area. His Algeria team-mate Baghdad Bounedjah met the delivery and sent it past Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.

The winger then added another assist six minutes later. Mahrez delivered a free-kick cross into the box, where Tunisia midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane headed the ball into the Al Hilal net in the 54th minute.

It was the second time Mahrez had set up two goals in a match against Al Hilal. He previously reached the same mark with Al Ahli in September last year, when the two sides drew 3-3 in the third round of the Roshn Saudi League.

Mahrez has now provided six assists against Al Hilal in 10 meetings across all competitions since joining Al Ahli in the summer of 2023.