Al Ahli triumphed with a 3-1 victory over a depleted Al Hilal side in Jeddah on Tuesday, earning their spot in the Asian Champions League Elite final this Saturday as they chase their inaugural continental title.
Goals from Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney within the ninth and 27th minutes provided Matthias Jaissle’s team with a comfortable two-goal cushion. However, Salem Al-Dawsari narrowed the gap just three minutes before half-time.
Al Hilal faced a significant setback when defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a second yellow card, leaving the four-time champions with just 10 players for the final half-hour. Despite a late penalty save by Yassine Bounou from Franck Kessie, the side was unable to mount a comeback, with Feras Al-Brikan sealing Al Ahli’s win with a late third goal.
Al Ahli have yet to claim the Asian title, having been runners-up in both 1986 and 2012. They will meet either local rivals Al Nassr or Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the final, with the two sides set to face each other in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
The scoring opened for the home side when Roger Ibanez played a precise ball from his own half that sprung Galeno down the left. The Brazilian delivered an excellent cross, which Firmino met with a powerful finish from close range.
Al Ahli continued to dominate, and their persistence paid off in the 27th minute, though their celebrations were nearly halted.
Riyad Mahrez’s perfectly weighted pass sent Toney through behind the defence; he rounded Bounou and slotted the ball into the net. Even though the assistant referee flagged for offside, a VAR review deemed the goal valid, much to the joy of the Al Ahli supporters.
Just three minutes before the break, Al Hilal pulled a goal back, despite being outplayed for most of the first half.
A stray pass from Renan Lodi around the edge of the penalty area was intercepted by Kessie, but luck was on Al-Dawsari’s side as the ball fell perfectly for him, allowing him to unleash a shot that beat Edouard Mendy.
Al Hilal’s chance to turn the tide was dashed in the 60th minute, as Koulibaly received his marching orders after committing a foul on Ibanez, already having been cautioned for a heavier challenge on Toney earlier in the match.
Al Ahli came close to extending their lead, with both Firmino and Galeno striking the post. A decisive penalty was awarded in the 85th minute when Hamad Al-Tuhayfan fouled Mahrez, yet Kessie’s attempt was thwarted by Bounou.
The momentum shifted further for Al Ahli when substitute Al-Brikan found the net in the seventh minute of injury time, as Al Hilal pushed for an equaliser, much to the delight of the home fans at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
For a summary of the match, click here
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
