DOHA (Qatar): Al Hilal Saudi head coach Razvan Lucescu hailed his team’s mental strength after 2-1 win over Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor FC in AFC Champions League Group B match on Monday.
“This win was of paramount importance to us in this difficult time,” said Lucescu.
With a draw looking the likeliest possibility at Al Janoub Stadium deep into stoppage time, midfielder Hattan Bahebri’s deflected shot settled matters against a 10-man Pakhtakor.
The result took defending champions Al Hilal to the top of Group B on nine points, with their opponents staying put in second place with six points.
“I would like to congratulate this group of players who were outstanding throughout today, kept fighting till the end and got stronger, and managed to beat a side that is well organised and physically strong.
“Generally, Pakhtakor had more of the ball but we rushed our chances at times, and could have moved the ball better down the flanks,” added the Romanian.
The result took defending champions Al Hilal to the top of Group B on nine points, with their opponents staying put in second place with six points. Should the reigning champions defeat Pakhtakor again on Thursday, they will guarantee progression to the Round of 16.
Thursday sees the two teams facing off again at Al Janoub Stadium with the winners edging ever-closer to the knockout stage.
