Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Al Ahli delivered a sensational performance to defeat Al Hilal 3-1 in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2025, in front of a roaring crowd of 50,613 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday.

The Jeddah-based side outclassed their fierce domestic rivals to book a spot in the continental final for the third time in the club’s history, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Al Nassr and Kawasaki Frontale.

From the first whistle, the clash lived up to its billing. Al Ahli struck early through Roberto Firmino, who calmly slotted home a Galeno cutback in the ninth minute after the Brazilian winger chased down a seemingly lost cause.

By the 27th minute, it was 2-0. Riyad Mahrez sliced open Al Hilal’s backline with a pinpoint pass for Ivan Toney, who outpaced Yassine Bounou before finishing with class to put Al Ahli in control.

Al Hilal fought back and were given hope before halftime when Salem Al Dawsari pounced on a Franck Kessie error to fire home his 10th goal of the tournament. But the revival was short-lived.

The second half saw tempers rise, with Kalidou Koulibaly shown a second yellow in the 59th minute after a reckless challenge on Roger Ibanez, reducing Al Hilal to 10 men and handing the momentum firmly to Al Ahli.

Toney had two goals ruled out for offside, and Al Ahli were denied further by the woodwork on three occasions — Firmino, Mahrez, and Galeno all inches away from adding to the scoreline.

With Al Hilal pushing forward in desperation, Al Ahli sealed the win in stoppage time through Feras Albrikan, whose composed finish capped a dominant display and sent the Jeddah crowd into celebration.

Al Ahli now stand one win away from lifting the prestigious continental title, while Al Hilal’s campaign ends in heartbreak for the second straight year at the semi-final stage.