In a stunning turn of events during the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) semi-finals, Al-Hilal, a team renowned for its dominance in Asian football, faced a shocking defeat against Al-Ain, losing 1-3 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on April 30, 2025. This loss not only eliminated Al-Hilal from the tournament but also marked a significant moment for Al-Ain, who are now set to compete for their first ACLE title.
Al-Hilal entered the match with high expectations after a resounding 7-0 victory over Guangzhou in the quarter-finals, positioning them as strong favorites to claim the championship. However, Al-Ain, who had not reached the final since 2012, was determined to upset the odds. With a powerful lineup featuring stars such as Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney, Al-Ain proved to be a formidable opponent.
The match began with an explosive start for Al-Ain. Just nine minutes in, Firmino capitalized on a brilliant assist from Galeno to score the opening goal, marking his second consecutive goal in the tournament. The momentum continued to swing in Al-Ain's favor when Toney extended their lead to 2-0 in the 27th minute, skillfully maneuvering past the Al-Hilal goalkeeper after receiving a piercing pass from Riyad Mahrez.
Despite the early setbacks, Al-Hilal managed to respond before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Saleh Al-Dawsari took advantage of a defensive error, firing a powerful shot that found the back of the net, narrowing the score to 2-1. This goal reinvigorated Al-Hilal's hopes as they entered the break trailing by just one.
However, the second half brought more challenges for Al-Hilal. In a critical moment, Kalidou Koulibaly received a second yellow card in the 14th minute of the second half, forcing Al-Hilal to play with ten men. This numerical disadvantage allowed Al-Ain to intensify their attacking efforts.
Al-Ain continued to press forward and came close to extending their lead multiple times. Firmino and Mahrez both hit the goalposts in the 28th minute, while Frank Kessie missed a penalty kick in the 41st minute, further frustrating Al-Ain's efforts. Despite these missed opportunities, Al-Ain remained relentless.
As the match approached its conclusion, Al-Hilal fought valiantly to equalize, but their efforts were thwarted by Al-Ain's solid defense. In the dying moments of the match, Piras Al-Buraikan sealed the victory for Al-Ain with a well-placed goal during stoppage time, bringing the final score to 3-1.
This defeat for Al-Hilal is particularly painful, as they have historically been one of the most successful clubs in the AFC Champions League, with four titles and five runner-up finishes. Their elimination at the hands of Al-Ain, a club that has never won the tournament, is a significant upset.
Looking ahead, Al-Ain will face the winner of the match between Al-Nasr and Kawasaki Frontale in the finals on May 4, 2025. This will be a historic opportunity for Al-Ain to claim their first ACLE championship, having previously finished as runners-up in the 1985-86 season and in 2012.
The Saudi Pro League standings also reflect the competitive nature of football in the region, with Al-Ittihad leading the table with 68 points, followed closely by Al-Hilal with 62 points, Al-Nasr with 60 points, and Al-Ain with 58 points. This season has been marked by fierce competition among the top clubs, with Al-Hilal and Al-Ain each securing one victory in their two league encounters this season.
In summary, Al-Ain's victory over Al-Hilal not only propels them into the finals but also highlights the shifting dynamics within Saudi football. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly anticipating the final match, where Al-Ain will look to make history and secure their first major title.
