In a thrilling semi-final match of the AFC Champions League, Al-Ahli Jeddah triumphed over Al-Hilal with a score of 3-1 on April 29, 2025. The match took place at the Kingdome Arena in Er-Riyadh and kicked off at 19:30 Moscow time, showcasing the fierce rivalry between these two Saudi clubs.
Al-Ahli wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Roberto Firmino opening the scoring just 9 minutes into the match, thanks to a precise assist from Galeno. The early goal set the tone for the visitors, who looked determined to take control of the game. Ayman Touhni doubled the lead for Al-Ahli in the 27th minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from Riyad Marez, leaving Al-Hilal trailing 2-0.
However, Al-Hilal managed to pull one back before halftime. Salem Al-Dossari scored in the 42nd minute, narrowing the gap to 1-2 and giving the home fans a glimmer of hope as they headed into the break.
The second half saw Al-Ahli maintaining their composure and creating opportunities. A pivotal moment came when Franck Kessie missed a penalty for Al-Ahli, which could have extended their lead. Nevertheless, the visitors remained relentless, and in the 7th minute of added time, Firas al-Buraikan, who had just come onto the pitch, sealed the victory with a third goal, making it 3-1.
Statistically, Al-Ahli was far more aggressive in their attacking play, registering 19 shots on goal, with 6 on target, compared to Al-Hilal's 4 shots and only 1 on target. Despite having less possession (46% to Al-Hilal's 54%), Al-Ahli's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. They completed 239 passes with a 66% accuracy rate, while Al-Hilal managed 283 passes at 71% accuracy.
Discipline played a crucial role in the match, with Al-Hilal committing 21 fouls, resulting in five yellow cards and one ejection. In contrast, Al-Ahli kept their game cleaner, committing only 11 fouls, receiving three yellow cards, and no ejections.
This victory propels Al-Ahli Jeddah into the final of the AFC Champions League, where they will face the winner of the match between Al-Nasr Er-Riyadh and Kawasaki Frontale. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the final showdown, marking a significant moment in the tournament.
Both teams had impressive runs leading up to this semi-final. Al-Hilal finished first in the Western Conference of the Asian Champions League, while Al-Ahli secured the second spot, both teams tallying 22 points in the group stage. In the playoffs, Al-Hilal had taken down Pakhtakor and Kwandju, while Al-Ahli overcame Al-Rayyan and Buriram United to reach this stage.
As the dust settles on this exciting encounter, Al-Ahli's performance will surely be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain composure under pressure has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying final.
With the conclusion of this match, the focus now shifts to the final, where Al-Ahli will seek to claim the prestigious title, aiming to add to their legacy in Asian football.
