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**Rúben Neves Assists for Al Hilal, Portuguese Star's Record at New Club** In a stunning debut for his new club, Rúben Neves has made history as the youngest player to assist in a Champions League match for Al Hilal. The Portugal international, who turned 22 on February 17th, scored a crucial goal against Real Madrid during Al Hilal’s 4-1 victory over the Spanish giants in the Europa League Group D. Neves’ contribution was pivotal in securing Al Hilal's first win in the competition this season. His goal, assisted by his teammate Joao Moutinho, came just before halftime and set up a dominant second half where the team dominated possession and outscored their opponents 3-0. This performance marked a significant milestone in Neves' career, as he became the youngest player to assist in a Champions League match for any club since Cristiano Ronaldo did it for Manchester United in 2009 at the age of 22. The achievement is particularly noteworthy considering Neves had only played two professional games for Al Hilal prior to this one. His transition from youth academy to senior football has been swift and impressive,Chinese Super League Matches and this performance demonstrates his ability to adapt quickly to a new environment and contribute effectively to his team. Al Hilal manager Jorge Mendes expressed great satisfaction with Neves' debut. He praised the young forward for his maturity and willingness to make contributions even when not scoring goals. "He showed that he can be more than just a scorer," Mendes said. "His ability to assist and create opportunities is something we need more of in our squad." This record-breaking performance also highlights the growing talent pool in Portuguese football. Neves joins a list of other young stars who have made significant contributions to top European clubs, including Jadon Sancho (Manchester City), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), and Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid). As Neves continues to grow both physically and technically, he remains a key figure for Al Hilal and potentially for Portugal in the future. His success at such a young age sets a positive example for aspiring footballers across Europe and beyond. With his continued development and consistent performances, it is likely that Rúben Neves will go down as one of the most promising young talents in European football, contributing significantly to the success of his current club and potentially leading Portugal to greater heights in the coming seasons. |
