Highlights: Asian Football's Top Performances of the Week
This week's Asian football highlights include Al-Hilal defeating Al-Kholood to maintain their perfect start, Oscar's double helping Shanghai Port stay ahead in the Chinese Super League, and crucial victories by Hiroshima in the J-League and Ulsan HD in the K-League.
Al-Hilal continued their dominant form in the Saudi Pro League, securing a commanding 4-2 victory over Al-Kholood to maintain their lead over rivals Al-Ittihad. Key goals by Kalidou Koulibaly, Malcom, and Ali Al-Bulaihi ensured a fifth win for Jorge Jesus' side, solidifying their three-point advantage at the top.
In the Chinese Super League, Brazilian playmaker Oscar's double strike propelled Shanghai Port to a crucial 2-1 win over Qingdao West Coast, keeping them two points clear of Shanghai Shenhua. With three games left in the season, Kevin Muscat's team remains in prime position for the title.
Sanfrecce Hiroshima dealt a significant blow to Machida Zelvia's J-League dreams with a decisive 2-0 victory, courtesy of early goals from Goncalo Paciencia and Mutsuki Kato. Meanwhile, defending champions Vissel Kobe kept up the pressure with a narrow 1-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds.
In the K-League, Ulsan HD clung to their lead with a slender 1-0 win against Daejeon Citizen, thanks to a 19th-minute penalty by Darijan Bojanic. Gimcheon Sangmu, trailing by two points, secured a vital 2-0 victory over Gwangju FC to stay in the title race.
(With inputs from agencies.)