Neymar, Benzema to get first taste of Asian Champions League action
Friday, 25 August 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (AFP): Saudi Pro League superstar Neymar will get his first taste of Asian Champions League football after last season's runners-up Al-Hilal were drawn against Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran FC, Mumbai City FC of India and Uzbekistan's Navbahor in the group stage on Thursday.
Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Ittihad's Karim Benzema will also debut in the group stage of Asia's premier club football competition, where they will seek to power their clubs to victory against sides from central to east Asia.
With billions of dollars in oil wealth, Saudi Arabia has been on a buying spree of sports assets as part of plans to diversify its economy and attract tourism and investment.
Al-Hilal leads the AFC Champions League for most title wins, with four to its name.