The four-time Asian champion has been in phenomenal form on the domestic and continental stages and this spells trouble for an Esteghlal side who is struggling with consistency. Al Hilal's winning run in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 was halted by a 1-1 draw against Al Nassr Club on Friday, with the result narrowing its lead over Al Ittihad to just a point and it will be determined to rebound in fine fashion against Esteghlal. It will, however, have to tread with caution against Esteghlal as its previous eight meetings ended in four wins each although Al Hilal emerged victorious in its last two encounters.
Esteghlal will head into the tie on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Tractor in the Iran Pro League, the result leaving the team on eight points and well off the pacesetters. Its continental hopes, however, is still very much in its hands and upstaging Al Hilal will mean it will stay firmly in the race for a knockout stage spot..
