Former Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez was the catalyst for Al-Hilal's comeback in their AFC Champions League opener against Al-Duhail on Tuesday night, netting his second goal in consecutive matches for his new team. Al-Hilal kicked off their continental group stage against the eight-time Qatari champions and found themselves trailing by a goal after 37 minutes. The Saudi side regrouped at half-time and it was Nunez who equalised in the 57th minute.

The ex-Reds number nine patiently waited in an open space within the penalty area. His shot may have appeared mishit into the turf, but the bounce deceived the opposition goalkeeper. Ex-AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez sealed Al-Hilal's victory with a volley from the edge of the 18-yard box.

Liverpool chose to part ways with Nunez this summer. In the three seasons since his £64m move from Benfica, the Uruguayan netted 40 times in 143 appearances across all competitions.

His first two seasons under Jurgen Klopp, despite facing criticism, saw a steady increase in his contributions in front of goal as Liverpool clinched the Community Shield and Carabao Cup.

Arne Slot took the reins before the 2024/25 season and the club went on to win the Premier League title, although Nunez saw his role diminish under the new head coach, scoring only seven overall and not starting a match in the last three months of the season.

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The £43.3m transfer to Al-Hilal has proven fruitful for the striker, who has already netted three goals in pre-season matches and continued his scoring streak in his first two competitive games for his new team.

Nunez appears to be flourishing away from the pressures of top-tier European football, making an immediate impression for his new team.

Following the departure of several key players from Slot's title-winning squad over the summer, Liverpool responded with a recruitment drive, including the signing of two centre forwards.

Firstly, Hugo Ekitike was brought in from Eintracht Frankfurt for a hefty £79m. The 23-year-old hit the ground running, scoring in his first three competitive matches for the Reds and even providing an assist during this impressive run.

Ekitike has since remained at the forefront of Slot's attack, while £125m deadline day acquisition Alexander Isak bides his time on the sidelines.

The ex-Newcastle player was rested for the Burnley match on Sunday, but Liverpool have confirmed he will be part of the squad for Wednesday night's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.