Al Ahli's dramatic clash against Al Hilal on February 28, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, resulted in a thrilling 3-2 victory, bolstered by Ivan Toney's breathtaking hat-trick. This match, held during the Saudi Pro League's 23rd round, showcased Toney's skills, helping his team inch closer to the coveted Asian Champions League qualification.
The first half of the match set the stage with tension but no goals, as both teams struggled to convert opportunities. Despite some promising attempts, including one by Toney early on, both sides entered halftime without finding the net. Toney had nearly capitalized on his chance when he blasted the ball wide of the open goal after sprinting past the defense.
The second half, though, was where the real excitement unfolded. Just two minutes after the restart, Toney finally broke the deadlock, scoring with confidence following some brilliant play from his teammates. His first goal came as he intercepted the ball from Al Hilal's defense, slotting it past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, igniting cheers from the visiting supporters.
Al Ahli continued their offensive momentum, and Toney doubled the lead shortly after, with another strike at the 53rd minute, this time assisted by Galeno. His clinical finishing showcased his ability to seize opportunities, leaving Al Hilal reeling and fans of the home team disheartened.
Despite the mounting pressure, Al Hilal wasn't ready to concede. Captain Salem Al Dawsari brought life back to the home team by scoring the first of two needed goals to narrow Al Ahli's lead, making it 2-1. That goal came from excellent teamwork, where Malcom intricately played him through the defense. The atmosphere intensified as Al Hilal pushed hard for the equalizer.
On the 81st minute, their efforts paid off when Marcos Leonardo converted a penalty, leveling the score. The penalty was granted after Ali Majrashi was judged to have handled the ball, and this moment of success instilled hope within the home crowd.
But the game wasn't finished yet. Just when the match seemed destined to end on level terms, Toney had other plans. With mere moments left on the clock (88th minute), he clinched his hat-trick, cementing Al Ahli's win with another smart finish, this time set up by Gabri Veiga. Toney's calm demeanor under pressure saw him slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, igniting jubilation from Al Ahli’s fans and despair for those at Al Hilal.
This hat-trick not only highlights Toney's relentless pursuit of excellence but also brings significant consequences for Al Hilal's title hopes. They now find themselves five points behind league leaders Al Ittihad, who had the chance to expand their lead. Al Ahli's victory propelled them to the fourth spot of the standings, tying them with rival Al Nassr on 47 points.
With the upcoming Asian Champions League knockout stages looming, both teams will need to shift their focus and strategies. Al Hilal will face Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan, and Al Ahli will travel to compete against Al Rayyan of Qatar. The defeat has left Al Hilal reflecting on their strategical shortcomings, as revealed by Al Dawsari's comments: "We fought back but couldn't hold off Toney's onslaught." This sentiment resonates with fans as Al Hilal’s path to reclaim their dominance faces newfound obstacles.
Ivan Toney, with his three goals on this unforgettable evening, has not only etched himself firmly within the hearts of Al Ahli supporters but has also become the central figure shaping the league's narrative. His performance exemplifies the highs and lows of Saudi Arabia's elite football scene, demonstrating just how unpredictable and exhilarating it can be. This match has set the stage for the remaining weeks of the season, with tensions running high across the board.