Hey soccer fans, get ready to celebrate! Al Ahli has put on a thrilling show at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, cruising to a 3-1 win over local rivals Al Hilal. With dynamic performances from Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney, and Feras Al Buraikan, the match was a roller coaster ride of goals, near misses, and heart-stopping drama. ⚽️🔥
The action kicked off in the 9th minute when Brazilian winger Galeno set up Firmino for an emphatic finish, boosting his tournament tally to six goals. Just before the half-hour mark, Riyad Mahrez delivered a defense-splitting pass to Toney—Al Ahli’s exciting summer signing from Brentford—who calmly rounded goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to double the lead.
Al Hilal tried to claw back with Salem Al Dawsari cutting the deficit to 2-1 three minutes before halftime. The second half, however, kept fans on the edge of their seats as Toney faced a couple of offside calls, and both Firmino and Galeno hit the post. Tension soared further when a crucial red card was issued to Al Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly after a challenge on Roger Ibañez.
The drama peaked in stoppage time when substitute Feras Al Buraikan sealed the victory with a decisive strike, ensuring Al Ahli remains unbeaten this season. Now, the team is set to face either Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr or Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the upcoming final on Saturday as they chase Asia's top club trophy.
This win isn’t just about the score—it’s a statement of skill, passion, and relentless spirit that resonates with every football enthusiast. Stay tuned for more electrifying updates as Al Ahli continues its journey in the AFC Champions League!
Reference(s):
Firmino, Toney, Al Buraikan lead Al Ahli to AFC Champions League final
cgtn.com
