3 November 2025 at 18:15
Match Summary
Al-Hilal Saudi FC defeated Al-Gharafa 2:1. The match was played in AFC Champions League Elite 2025. Goals were scored by S. Al Dawsari 8′, Kaio Cesar 66′, A. Al Oui 90′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Al-Gharafa had 38% possession while Al-Hilal Saudi FC held 62%. Al-Gharafa had 13 shots (2 on target) compared to 13 (5 on target) for Al-Hilal Saudi FC. Al-Gharafa made 4 substitutions, Al-Hilal Saudi FC made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Al-Gharafa and Al-Hilal Saudi FC — 3 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Cancelo
assist: T. Hernandez
assist: A. Djalo
Match Statistics
Al-Gharafa had 38% possession against Al-Hilal Saudi FC's 62%. Al-Gharafa registered 13 shots (2 on target) while Al-Hilal Saudi FC managed 13 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 2–9. Fouls committed: 7–14.
Lineups
Al-Gharafa lined up in a 3-4-3 formation under Pedro Martins, while Al-Hilal Saudi FC deployed a 3-4-2-1 under Simone Inzaghi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Al-Gharafa is 6.56, compared to 7.20 for Al-Hilal Saudi FC. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Al-Gharafa's highest-rated starter is F. Sassi (7.00), while Al-Hilal Saudi FC's best-rated player is R. Neves (8.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Al-Gharafa have contributed 2 goals and 1 assists this season, led by S. Sano (1G). Al-Hilal Saudi FC's starters account for 8 goals and 9 assists, spearheaded by T. Hernandez (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Al-Gharafa deploy 3 defenders rated 6.57 on average, against Al-Hilal Saudi FC's 3-man backline averaging 7.21. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Al-Gharafa field 5 midfielders averaging 6.55, versus Al-Hilal Saudi FC's 4 rated 7.47. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Al-Gharafa start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.57, compared to 3 for Al-Hilal Saudi FC averaging 6.99. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 79% for Al-Gharafa and 88% for Al-Hilal Saudi FC. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Al-Gharafa's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Al-Hilal Saudi FC. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Al-Gharafa's starting XI is 26.4 (youngest: S. Sano (21), oldest: Jang Hyun-Soo (34)), while Al-Hilal Saudi FC average 28.7 (youngest: Y. Akcicek (20), oldest: Bono (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Al-Gharafa's starters average 6 league appearances each, versus 6 for Al-Hilal Saudi FC. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Pedro Martins
Substitutes
Coach: Simone Inzaghi
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Al-Gharafa have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Al-Hilal Saudi FC show 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Al-Gharafa
Al-Hilal Saudi FC
API data: 20 Apr 2026