Gabriel Jesus Insists No Underdog Status for Either Side Ahead of Al Hilal vs Al Ahli of Qatar AFC Champions League Clash
Key keywords: Gabriel Jesus, Al Ahli of Qatar, Al Hilal SFC, AFC Champions League 2024/25, Pre-match Press Conference, Saudi Pro League, Qatar Stars League, Asian Football Knockout Stage
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Al Hilal SFC’s highly anticipated AFC Champions League round of 16 clash against Qatar’s Al Ahli, former Arsenal and Brazil national team forward Gabriel Jesus dismissed narratives framing either side as a clear underdog, stating “there is no loser between us and Al Ahli of Qatar” in the upcoming two-legged tie.
Jesus, who joined the Riyadh-based Saudi Pro League giant in a high-profile summer 2024 transfer, has emerged as a core attacking contributor for Al Hilal this season, netting 12 goals across all competitions and forming a lethal front line with fellow attacking stars Malcolm and Aleksandar Mitrovic. His remarks came in response to a reporter’s question about Al Hilal being labeled the overwhelming favorite to advance to the quarterfinals, with Jesus emphasizing that respect for the opponent is a core prerequisite for success in continental competition.
“Al Ahli is one of the strongest teams in the Qatar Stars League, they have a roster full of experienced Qatari internationals and high-quality foreign imports, they finished second in their domestic league last season and topped their AFC Champions League group stage with five wins from six matches,” Jesus told reporters. “They play fast, organized football, and their home ground is a very difficult place to visit for any away team. We can’t afford to underestimate them for a single second, and anyone who thinks this tie is already decided doesn’t understand Asian football. Both teams have the quality to win, both will fight until the final whistle, so there is no loser in this matchup – only a well-deserved winner that earns their spot in the next round.”
Al Hilal, the record four-time AFC Champions League winners, are aiming to claim their fifth continental title this year, while Al Ahli of Qatar are seeking their first ever Champions League knockout stage advancement past the round of 16. The first leg of the tie will be held at Al Ahli’s home ground in Doha on March 12, with the return leg scheduled for March 19 at Al Hilal’s King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh. The tie has drawn widespread attention across West Asia, with football analysts noting that the outcome could shift the balance of power in Gulf club football for the coming years.
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As a lifelong Al Hilal supporter, I love that Jesus is keeping the team grounded instead of buying into the favorite hype. Al Ahli is no joke, and we need to play our best to get through. I’m already counting down to the first leg and hope Jesus gets on the scoresheet!
This is such a refreshing take from a top player. So many athletes just trash talk opponents before big games, but Jesus is showing full respect to Al Ahli while still making it clear his team is ready to compete. That’s the kind of sportsmanship that makes football great.
As an Al Ahli fan, I have so much respect for Jesus after these comments. We know Al Hilal are a powerhouse, but we’ve worked so hard to get to this stage and we’re ready to fight for every minute. Can’t wait to see our boys put on a show at home next week!
As a neutral football fan from Singapore, this tie is easily the most exciting one in the Champions League round of 16. Jesus is right, both teams have elite talent and it’s impossible to pick a clear winner. I’ll definitely be tuning in for both legs.