SOCCER: Draw means Al-Hilal drop first points in Asian Champions League

Four-time champions Al-Hilal dropped their first points of the Asian Champions League Elite group stage on Monday as Simone Inzaghi’s rotated squad were held to a 0-0 draw by Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

With qualification for the round of 16 already secured after six consecutive wins, Inzaghi made several changes to his line-up, and the Saudi Pro League side struggled to find their rhythm. Despite the draw, Al-Hilal remain at the top of the standings with one round left, five points clear of compatriots Al-Ahli in second place.

The defending champions were not the only team sharing points, as Al-Wahda also held their opponents to a 0-0 draw in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Al-Duhail managed a 1-1 draw with UAE side Sharjah FC in Doha, keeping their hopes alive for a top-eight finish and progression to the next phase. Igor Coronado gave Sharjah the lead with a penalty in the 41st minute, but Adil Boulbina equalized eight minutes from time with his own spot kick, which had to be retaken after visiting goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani moved off his line early.

The result leaves both teams with eight points, two ahead of ninth-placed Al-Gharafa. Al-Gharafa will face Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad on Tuesday with a chance to move into the qualifying positions.

Uzbekistan’s Nasaf secured their first point of the competition in a 1-1 draw against Iraq’s Al-Shorta, but the result means neither side can advance.

-Reporting by Michael Church; Editing by XXXX/Reuters