Roberto Firmino now as Liverpool hero flourishing again after Saudi struggles
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Roberto Firmino helped Al Sadd beat Al Hilal on penalties in the AFC Champions League round of 16, with the former Liverpool star sending a clear message after a difficult spell in Saudi ArabiaRoberto Firmino has won more silverware in the Middle East(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino sent a powerful statement with a goal against one of his old club's rivals.Having joined Liverpool back in 2015, Firmino enjoyed a trophy-laden spell on Merseyside, helping the Reds to win the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.His time at Anfield came to an end in 2023, when he left as a free agent. Firmino opted to follow a host of players to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ahli.
However, after his two-year stint in Saudi Arabia, Firmino moved to Qatar, signing with Al Sadd last summer.READ MORE: Ex-Liverpool star reminisces over 'living every boy's dream' in message to Reds fansREAD MORE: Liverpool sends scouts to RB Leipzig to look at Andy Robertson replacementAnd on Monday, his new side, Al Sadd, faced off against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League round of 16, with the Brazilian playing a starring role.The fixture concluded 3-3 following extra time, with Firmino finding the net, before Al Sadd triumphed via a penalty shootout.Firmino netted the sixth and final goal of the contest to level proceedings for Al Sadd in the 70th minute, with the ex-Liverpool attacker celebrating by gesturing toward his ear.Firmino left Liverpool to play in the Middle East(Image: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)While Firmino failed to convert Al Sadd's first penalty in the shootout, his side nevertheless claimed a 4-2 win and advanced to the next stage.The strike for Firmino was his 15th across all competitions this campaign, as he helped Al Sadd reach the Champions League quarterfinals.Following the team's win over Al-Hilal, Firmino and co will now take on Japanese side Vissel Kobe in the quarterfinals on Thursday, April 16.During his time in Saudi Arabia, Firmino struggled on the pitch, scoring 21 goals across two seasons before leaving to join Al Sadd.And he has already won silverware in his first season with Al Sadd, which recently claimed its 19th Qatar Stars League title.Al Sadd won the league with a game to spare following Al Shamal's 2-0 defeat to Qatar SC. Heading into its final game of the league season, Al Sadd, which is managed by former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, currently has an unassailable five-point lead.Al Sadd also won the UAE-Qatar Super Shield Champion after beating Shebab Al Ahli earlier this year.Despite struggling in Saudi Arabia, Firmino did pick up silverware by winning the Asian Champions League last season.
He captained Al-Ahli in the final and played alongside former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, as the Saudi side defeated Kawasaki Frontale 2-0.