Algerian stars Riyad Mahrez and Baghdad Bounedjah played a pivotal role in Al-Shamal's 3-1 win against Saudi side Al-Hilal in the third round of the AFC Champions League Elite. Wesley Said opened the scoring, before Salem Al-Dawsari leveled for Al-Hilal. In the second half, Mahrez provided two assists, one for Bounedjah to restore the lead and another for Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane to secure the third goal. With this result, Al-Shamal reached 5 points in the standings, while Al-Hilal remains at 6 points.