Al-Hilal Saudi team is preparing to face Pakhtakor Uzbekistan tonight, Tuesday, in a much-anticipated match as part of the first leg of the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League. This encounter carries significant importance, as the leader seeks to continue its continental journey successfully.

Al-Hilal has a remarkable record against Pakhtakor, having met in eight previous encounters. The leader has won five matches, while three encounters ended in a draw. The Uzbek team has never achieved a victory over Al-Hilal, giving the Saudi team a moral advantage.

Al-Hilal is playing this match at Pakhtakor's stadium amid a passionate fan atmosphere. Despite its historical superiority, playing away from home poses a challenge, especially with the Uzbek team's desire to break its curse against the leader.

Al-Hilal enters the match with great ambitions, relying on its continental experience and the strength of its squad. The team aims to settle matters early before the return leg, to avoid any surprises that could disrupt its path to the title.

Although Pakhtakor has not won any matches against Al-Hilal, it has a chance to achieve a positive result in front of its fans. The Uzbek team hopes to exploit the advantages of home ground and crowd to secure a result that boosts its hopes of qualification.

The encounter will not be easy for either side, as it is expected to witness an exciting tactical battle. Al-Hilal relies on its strong attacking style, while Pakhtakor will try to find defensive solutions to stop the leader's threat.