Al-Hilal 1-3 Al-Ahli: Firmino & Toney Send Al-Ahli to ACL Final.Al-Hilal 1-3 Al-Ahli: Firmino & Toney Fire Al-Ahli Into AFC Champions League Elite Final.
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2025
Result: Al-Ahli 3-1 Al-Hilal
Match Recap: Al-Ahli Stun Al-Hilal to Reach Final
Al-Ahli secured a historic 3-1 victory over Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals, booking their place in Saturday’s final against either Al-Nassr or Kawasaki Frontale.
Former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney scored in a dominant first-half display, while Feras Al Brikan sealed the win late in stoppage time. Salem Al Dawsari pulled one back for Al-Hilal, but Kalidou Koulibaly’s red card in the second half dashed any hopes of a comeback.
Al-Ahli will now aim to win their first-ever AFC Champions League Elite title, having finished as runners-up in 2012-13.
Key Match Highlights
⚽ 9’ – GOAL! Al-Ahli 1-0 Al-Hilal (Roberto Firmino)
Galeno delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Firmino timed his near-post run perfectly to slot home with a first-time finish.
⚽ 27’ – GOAL! Al-Ahli 2-0 Al-Hilal (Ivan Toney)
Riyad Mahrez played a defense-splitting through ball, sending Toney clean through on goal. The English striker calmly rounded Yassine Bounou and tapped into an empty net.
⚽ 45+2’ – GOAL! Al-Hilal 1-2 Al-Ahli (Salem Al Dawsari)
A loose ball fell to Al Dawsari inside the box, and the Saudi international smashed it past Edouard Mendy to give his side hope before halftime.
🟥 59’ – Koulibaly Sent Off (Second Yellow Card)
The Senegalese defender, already on a booking, fouled Roger Ibañez and was given his marching orders, leaving Al-Hilal with 10 men.
❌ 82’ – Bounou Saves Kessié’s Penalty!
Franck Kessié had the chance to kill the game but saw his weak penalty saved by Bounou.
⚽ 90+7’ – GOAL! Al-Ahli 3-1 Al-Hilal (Feras Al Brikan)
A late counter-attack ended with Al Brikan slotting home to confirm Al-Ahli’s place in the final.
Tactical Analysis
Al-Ahli’s Attacking Prowess
Mahrez, Firmino, and Toney linked up superbly, exploiting Al-Hilal’s high defensive line.
Galeno’s width caused constant problems, while Kessié controlled midfield.
Defensive discipline after Koulibaly’s red card ensured Al-Hilal never truly threatened an equalizer.
Al-Hilal’s Struggles
Lacked creativity without Neymar (injured) and Mitrović (isolated up front).
Defensive errors cost them, particularly in the first half.
Koulibaly’s dismissal ended any realistic chance of a comeback.
Player Ratings
Al-Ahli
Edouard Mendy (7/10) – Made key saves, could do little about Al Dawsari’s goal.
Riyad Mahrez (9/10) – 1 assist, terrorized the defense, and set a competition record.
Roberto Firmino (8/10) – Clinical finish, excellent movement.
Ivan Toney (8/10) – Composed finish, constant threat.
Franck Kessi̩ (6/10) РMissed a penalty but dominated midfield.
Al-Hilal
Yassine Bounou (7/10) – Saved a penalty but couldn’t prevent defeat.
Kalidou Koulibaly (3/10) – Poor defending, costly red card.
Salem Al Dawsari (7/10) – Scored, but lacked support.
Sergej Milinković-Savić (5/10) – Struggled to influence the game.
Post-Match Reactions
Matthias Jaissle (Al-Ahli Manager)
"A fantastic performance. We executed our plan perfectly. Now we focus on the final."
Jorge Jesus (Al-Hilal Manager)
"We made too many mistakes. The red card killed us, but we must improve."
Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli Winger)
"Happy with the assist, but the win is what matters. We want the trophy now."
Key Stats
Possession: Al-Ahli 48% - 52% Al-Hilal
Shots: Al-Ahli 14 (6 on target) - Al-Hilal 9 (3 on target)
xG: Al-Ahli 2.5 - Al-Hilal 1.1
What’s Next?
AFC Champions League Elite Final: Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr/Kawasaki (May 4, 2025)
Can Al-Ahli win their first title? Or will Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr or Japan’s Kawasaki stop them?
Final Thoughts
Al-Ahli’s attack was unstoppable – Firmino & Toney proving their worth.
Al-Hilal’s defensive woes cost them dearly.
The final promises fireworks – will Mahrez & Co. complete their dream run?
#ACLElite #AlAhli #AlHilal #Firmino #Toney #Mahrez #SaudiFootball.
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