Photo: Reuters File

Brazilian football icon Neymar made his long-awaited comeback on Monday, marking his return after an absence of over a year. The Al Hilal forward came off the bench in the second half during a thrilling 5-4 victory against Asian champions Al Ain in the UAE. The 32-year-old, formerly of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, had been sidelined since suffering a meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee during an international match in October last year. Following surgery and an extensive rehabilitation period, Neymar, who holds the record as Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was named on the Hilal bench for the first time since his injury. He was introduced in the 76th minute of the Asian Champions Elite clash at the packed Hazzan Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

By that time, the four-time Asian champions, who top the current Saudi Pro League, were already leading 5-3, thanks to goals from Renan Lodi and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a hat-trick from Salem Al Dawsari. Neymar is ineligible for registration in the Saudi top-flight until January. On Monday, Hilal took the lead in the 26th minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic, formerly of Newcastle United and Fulham, set up Lodi on the left. The ex-Atletico Madrid full-back then drilled a low shot past Khalid Essa in the Al Ain goal. However, Hernan Crespo's side equalized six minutes before halftime, with Morocco international Soufiane Rahimi sliding home a cross. Rahimi was the standout player in Al Ain's Asian Champions League triumph last season, finishing as top scorer and being named player of the tournament.

In first-half stoppage time, Hilal appeared to take control of the contest. First, Joao Cancelo, a summer signing from Manchester City, crossed for Milinkovic-Savic to head home unmarked from six yards. Moments later, reigning Asian Player of the Year Al Dawsari raced clear of the Al Ain defense, skipped around the onrushing Essa, and curled home superbly on the angle. Al Ain reduced the deficit just after the hour mark through substitute Mateo Sanabria, only for Al Dawsari to flick home his second of the night from a Milinkovic-Savic centre. Minutes later, Rahimi scored his brace, swinging the momentum once more. Al Dawsari then restored Hilal's two-goal advantage with a sublime strike from range.

In the closing stages, with Hilal down to 10 men after defender Ali Al Bulaihi was sent off for an intentional handball, Rahimi won and converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick and give Al Ain a glimmer of hope. However, the Saudi champions held on to secure the win. Neymar had limited time to make a significant impact on the game, though he did send a shot wide in the dying moments of normal time. Hilal currently top the Western region group with three wins from three matches, while Al Ain have managed just a single point.

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