The AFC Champions League's most recent draw placed Mumbai City FC of the Indian Super League (ISL) in the same group as Al-Hilal, giving Brazilian superstar Neymar the opportunity to play an official match in India for the first time in his career. It will indeed be an unprecedented moment for India and all its football fans.
Al-Hilal has had a packed transfer window thus far, roping in the likes of Neymer, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergey Milinkovic-Savic among others. The couple of other teams in Group D are FC Nassaji Mazandaran from Iran and Uzbekistan's PFC Navbahor Namangan. Last week, the 31-year-old walked into a fabulous reception in Riyadh as the former Barcelona footballer came at the iconic King Fahd International Stadium.
While the forward players sat out of the game against Al-Fahya on Saturday, and is likely to make his debut later on Thursday against Al-Raed. The Belewadi Stadium in Pune will host Mumbai FC's home games.
The group stage of the 2023 AFC Champions League:
Group A: Al-Faiha FC, Pakhtakor, Ahla FC, Al Ain FC
Group B: Al-Saad, Nasaf, Al-Faisaly, Sharjah FC
Group C: Al-Ittihad, Sepahan SC, Air Force Club, AGMK FC
Group D: Al-Hilal, FC Nassaji Mazandaran, Mumbai City FC, PFC Navbahor Namangan
Group E: Persepolis, Al-Duhail, Istiklol, Al-Nassr
Group F: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Bangkok United, Lion City Sailors, Kitchee
Group G: Terengganu FC, Bali United, Stallion Laguna, Central Coast Mariners
Group H: Haiphong FC, Hougang United, Sabah FC, PSM Makassar
Group I: CPK, Tainan City, FC Ulaanbaatar, Taichung Futuro.
The competition starts on September 18th, 2024.
