Saudi Arabia's Hilal, who finished second in the last AFC Champions League, face Uzbek side Namangan New Spring in their Group D opener. Namangan New Spring is a newcomer to the AFC Champions League, while Hilal, who have won the title four times before and lost to Urawa Red Diamonds in the final of the last edition, are back to fight for the title this time around.
Hilal signed Nima, Alexandre Mizouwu, Rubin Nieves, Milian Kovic, Yessin Nibonu and Ghoulibani this summer. Alexandre Mizouwu scored a hat-trick in his last game in the Saudi Arabia United League, helping his team to beat Ittihad with the help of Bensimi, 4-3, which is a great form.
