Al Hilal bank on recent home successes

The Riyadh giants lost to Iran’s Zob Ahan 1-0 in the first leg of the continental club showcase on Wednesday after squandering several chances, including a penalty, forcing Gerets to put on a brave face.

“We always get good results at home. I think we can score two or three goals in Riyadh. I don’t accept that we have to wave goodbye to this cup, more that it’s hello,” said Gerets.

That is true if the results for the 2010 knockout stage are considered. Al Hilal have won the one-off Round of 16 match against Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor and then defeated Qataris Al Gharafa in the quarter-final first leg against the formidable setting of the King Fahd International Stadium.

Before this, Al Hilal had not won a single match in the ACL knockout phase in front of home fans. In 2009 they suffered a stunning defeat to Qatari minnows Umm Salal in the Round of 16 on penalties. And in 2007 they crashed out of the tournament’s quarter-final stage on away goals after a 1-1 draw against UAE outfit Al Wahda in the second leg, following a goalless draw in the opening encounter.

In fact, their record in the 2010 group stage does not inspire much confidence. Out of three games played, they could win only one match (against Mes Kerman of Iran) and had to settle for draws in the other two.

They were more successful in away matches, winning two and losing one. On the domestic front, Al Hilal have been flawless, winning all three home games they have played so far by scoring seven goals and conceding just one.