Inzaghi and Murad preview al-hilal vs al wahda in final group game
Match context and significance
Al-Hilal will host Emirati side Al-Wahda in the final round of the AFC Champions League Elite group stage on 16 February 2026. The fixture is the last game of the group phase and carries significance despite both clubs having already secured qualification to the knockout rounds. Kick-off is scheduled for 18: 15 GMT (13: 15 EST).
Inzaghi: selection to follow final training
Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi described the match as important and said the coaching staff will make selection decisions after the team's final training session. "After the final training session this evening, we will decide who will participate in tomorrow's match. We know what we need to do to achieve a positive result, and we will assess the readiness of some players, " Inzaghi said in the pre-match press conference. He reiterated his expectation that the team reach the required level to compete for a win, while noting that both sides go into the match already qualified for the next round.
Player focus and squad form
Inzaghi praised his side's recent performances and focus, pointing to a run of clean sheets across most matches in the campaign as evidence of defensive solidity. Al-Hilal enter the game unbeaten in seven Champions League Elite matches this season, with six wins and one draw recorded in the group stage.
Murad on adapting to tactics
Midfielder Murad Al-Hawsawi stressed the importance of finishing the group stage with a victory. He said he is working to adapt to Inzaghi's tactical approach and is committed to helping the team perform at a high level. Murad underlined the squad's ambition to continue a winning run, even with qualification already secured.
Injury updates and selection uncertainties
Al-Hilal face some absences and doubts in their matchday squad. The club's injury list includes Yassine Bounou, Yusuf Akçiçek and Malcom. Reports referenced ahead of the meeting also note concerns over other players' availability, which informed Inzaghi's decision to wait until after the final training session before confirming his starting XI. On the Al-Wahda side, their squad has faced injury setbacks too, with Gerónimo Rivera among the sidelined players.
Head-to-head and tactical outlook
Historically, Al-Hilal have been difficult opponents for Darko Milanič's Al-Wahda, remaining unbeaten in four previous Champions League Elite meetings (one win and three draws), with the last encounter in 2017 ending in a 1-0 Al-Hilal victory. With both teams already through, the match may provide an opportunity for rotation and for coaching staffs to evaluate fringe players and tactical adjustments ahead of the knockout phase.
What to expect
Expect a competitive fixture despite the absence of qualification pressure. Al-Hilal will aim to cap their group campaign with a positive result and maintain momentum, while Al-Wahda will be seeking to challenge the Saudi side and possibly secure a breakthrough result. Final team sheets are likely to reflect a balance between safeguarding key players and preserving competitive intensity for the round-robin finale.
