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Former Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez ignited Al-Hilal's comeback in the team's AFC Champions League opener against Al-Duhail on Tuesday, netting his second goal in consecutive matches for his new side.
Al-Hilal kicked off its continental group stage against the eight-time Qatari champions and found itself trailing by a goal after 37 minutes. The Saudi team regrouped at half-time, and it was Nunez who equalized in the 57th minute of play.
The former Liverpool No. 9 patiently positioned himself in an open space within the penalty area. His shot may have appeared mishit into the turf, but the bounce deceived the opposition goalkeeper. Ex-AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez sealed Al-Hilal's victory with a volley from the edge of the 18-yard box roughly 10 minutes later.
Liverpool chose to part ways with Nunez this summer. In the three seasons since his move from Benfica, the Uruguayan netted 40 times in 143 appearances across all competitions.
His initial two seasons under Jurgen Klopp - despite facing criticism - saw a steady increase in his contributions in front of goal as Liverpool clinched the Community Shield and Carabao Cup.
Arne Slot then took the reins before the 2024/25 campaign, and the club went on to secure the Premier League title, although Nunez saw his role shrink under the new head coach, scoring only seven overall and not starting a match in the last three months of the season.
The transfer of the striker to Al-Hilal was finalized, and it appears he hasn't looked back since, netting three goals in as many preseason games before making his mark with goals in his two most recent competitive outings for his new club.
Nunez seems to be a player flourishing without the pressures of top-tier European soccer.
As he and others left Slot's title-winning squad over the summer, Liverpool responded by recruiting heavily, including the addition of two central forwards.
First up was Hugo Ekitike, who was brought in from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 23-year-old hit the ground running, scoring in his first three competitive matches for his new club and even adding an assist to his tally during that streak of games.
He has continued to spearhead Slot's team ever since, while the deadline day acquisition Alexander Isak bides his time for his chance to shine.
The ex-Newcastle player was kept on the sidelines for Sunday's game against Burnley.
But Liverpool has confirmed his inclusion in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
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