In a thrilling encounter at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Al-Ahli Saudi continued their impressive run in the AFC Champions League, defeating Buriram United of Thailand 3-0 in the quarter-finals on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This victory not only secured Al-Ahli a spot in the semi-finals but also set up a highly anticipated clash against their local rivals, Al-Hilal.
The match showcased Al-Ahli's dominance as they capitalized on their home advantage. After a solid performance in the group stages, where they finished second in the Western region with 22 points from 8 matches, the team entered the quarter-finals with high expectations. They previously dispatched Al-Rayyan of Qatar in the Round of 16 with a commanding 5-1 aggregate score, which boosted their confidence going into this match.
Buriram United, on the other hand, came into the game with a mixed bag of results. They had managed to progress past Johor of Malaysia in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 victory but struggled in their recent domestic outings. Despite their sixth-place finish in the Eastern region with only 12 points from 8 matches, they aimed to upset the odds against a formidable Al-Ahli side.
From the outset, Al-Ahli demonstrated their intent to dominate. With a star-studded lineup that included the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié, they put pressure on Buriram's defense early on. The first goal came in the 23rd minute when Firmino found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
As the match progressed, Al-Ahli maintained control, with their midfield dictating the pace of the game. Buriram struggled to create clear chances, often thwarted by a resolute Al-Ahli defense led by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet.
In the second half, Al-Ahli continued to press, and their efforts paid off when they doubled their lead in the 58th minute through a well-placed shot by Mahrez. The Algerian winger's goal not only showcased his skill but also highlighted Al-Ahli's attacking prowess.
The final nail in the coffin came in the 75th minute, when Kessié scored, sealing the match at 3-0. The goal was a result of a well-coordinated team effort, illustrating the synergy and confidence that Al-Ahli has developed throughout the tournament.
After the match, Al-Ahli's coach expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "We played with great intensity and showed our quality today. The players executed the game plan perfectly, and this win is a testament to their hard work and determination," he stated.
Looking ahead, Al-Ahli will face off against Al-Hilal in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises to be an electrifying affair given the fierce rivalry between the two Saudi clubs. Al-Hilal advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Guangzhou from South Korea, and both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights in this high-stakes encounter.
As anticipation builds for the semi-final clash, fans are already discussing the implications of this rivalry, which has been a staple in Saudi football for years. The match is set to take place on May 3, 2025, at the same venue, and promises to be a thrilling spectacle for supporters of both teams.
For those looking to catch the action, the semi-final will be broadcast across various platforms, including Abu Dhabi Sports Asia 1, SSC 1 HD, and beIN Sports AFC HD, ensuring that fans can follow their teams as they vie for a place in the finals.
With Al-Ahli's impressive performance against Buriram United, they have not only solidified their status as serious contenders for the championship but have also reignited hopes among their supporters for a successful campaign in the AFC Champions League. As they prepare for the next challenge, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and delivering another stellar performance against Al-Hilal.
The stage is set for an epic showdown, and all eyes will be on Jeddah as these two giants of Saudi football clash in what promises to be a memorable semi-final in the AFC Champions League.
