Darwin Núñez Stares Down Al-Hilal Owners: Striker Responds to Squad Axe with Clinical AFC Champions League Brace

DARWIN NÚÑEZ delivered a powerful statement to Al-Hilal's ownership after being dropped from the Saudi Pro League squad, scoring a decisive brace in a 2-1 AFC Champions League victory over Al-Wahda on Monday night.

The former Liverpool striker, who joined Al-Hilal from Anfield last summer for £46.1 million plus add-ons, was axed from the club's 25-man squad for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season following Karim Benzema's January arrival. Saudi rules limit teams to eight foreign players born before 2003, forcing manager Simone Inzaghi to cut Núñez alongside ex-Arsenal defender Pablo Mari. "The decision was difficult, but that's the job of a coach," Inzaghi remarked[3][1].

Núñez, earning a reported £20 million annually and with nine goals in 24 appearances this season, silenced doubters in the Asian Champions League group stage clash. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute, powering home a header from Rúben Neves' free-kick. Al-Wahda's Brahima Diarra equalized 13 minutes later, but Núñez struck again in the 77th minute, sliding in a low cross at the far post to secure all three points and propel four-time champions Al-Hilal to the top of the Western group with seven wins and a draw from eight matches, maintaining their unbeaten record[1][2].

After his winner, Núñez turned to the directors' box where Al-Hilal's owners sit, staring intensely with a wry smile for several seconds before muttering under his breath and walking away. The muted celebration sparked widespread discussion, interpreted as a direct message amid his squad omission[3].

Elsewhere, Al-Ahli edged Shabab Al-Ahli 4-3 in Jeddah, with goals from Feras Al-Brikan, an own goal by Bogdan Planic, Enzo Millot, and Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, confirming Shabab's last-16 progress despite the loss. Nasaf beat Sharjah FC 2-1, boosting their hopes. The top eight advance to March's round of 16, with later stages centralized in Jeddah in April[1][2].

Núñez's performance offers hope of a lifeline, proving his value despite domestic league exclusion[3].