In a thrilling encounter at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Buriram United of Thailand in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League 2024-2025 on April 26, 2025. The match showcased Al-Ahli's dominance from the outset, with star players stepping up to deliver a performance that delighted the home crowd.
Al-Ahli, who finished second in the Western region with 22 points from 8 matches during the group stage, aimed to continue their impressive run in the tournament. Their opponents, Buriram United, had secured their place in the quarter-finals by finishing sixth in the Eastern region with 12 points from 8 matches, but they faced a formidable challenge in Jeddah.
The match kicked off at 7:30 PM local time, and it didn’t take long for Al-Ahli to make their mark. Just four minutes into the game, Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring with a powerful ground shot, assisted by Roberto Firmino. The home fans erupted with joy as Mahrez put Al-Ahli ahead early in the match.
Two minutes later, Winderson Galeno doubled the lead, showcasing his striking prowess with a goal that came from a brilliant setup by Roger Ibanez. The Brazilian’s clinical finish left Buriram's defense scrambling, and the momentum clearly swung in favor of Al-Ahli.
As the first half progressed, Al-Ahli continued to dominate possession, boasting a staggering 74% control of the ball. Their attacking play was relentless, and in the 30th minute, Firmino added the third goal, sealing a commanding first-half performance. He capitalized on a header from Merih Demiral during a corner kick, placing the ball into the net with precision.
By halftime, Al-Ahli led 3-0, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with over 43,000 fans cheering their team on. The second half saw a drop in intensity as Al-Ahli appeared to manage their comfortable lead, focusing on defense and maintaining possession.
Buriram United struggled to create significant opportunities, with Al-Ahli's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, effectively neutralizing any threats. Mendy’s performance was crucial, as he faced little pressure throughout the match, reflecting the team’s tactical discipline.
Despite several opportunities to extend their lead, including a near-miss from Mahrez in the closing minutes, Al-Ahli maintained their three-goal advantage until the final whistle. The match concluded with a resounding 3-0 victory for Al-Ahli, propelling them into the semi-finals of the tournament.
With this win, Al-Ahli is set to face their local rivals, Al-Hilal, in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises to be highly competitive. Al-Hilal advanced after a stunning 8-0 victory over Guangzhou of South Korea, making this upcoming clash even more anticipated.
Fans are eager to see if Al-Ahli can carry their momentum into the semi-finals and challenge for the coveted title of the AFC Champions League. The victory over Buriram not only showcased their attacking capabilities but also highlighted their defensive strength, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling encounter against Al-Hilal.
The semi-final match is scheduled for Tuesday, and with the stakes higher than ever, Al-Ahli will aim to continue their pursuit of continental glory.
