Al-Hilal 1-3 Al-Ahli: Firmino & Toney Send Al-Ahli to ACL Final.

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 Kessié (6/10) – Missed 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.