Match Report
16 points for Al Hilal (1st), 6 for Nassaji Mazandaran (3rd): a 10-point gap. Nassaji Mazandaran had been under-performing their position — 33rd on five-round form against 3rd in the table. In league terms the two rates read 2.67/0.33 for Al Hilal and 1.17/1.67 for Nassaji Mazandaran (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.6.
Al Hilal had won 12 straight, having scored in 15 consecutive games. Al Hilal had banked 15 of the last 15 points on offer; Nassaji Mazandaran, 4.
Khalid Bin Mohammed Stadium in Sharjah staged the fixture, a ground that holds 11,073. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Al Hilal led 1-0 at the break, before 2 more goals closed it at 2-1.