Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney turned up the heat as Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli booked a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite final 🏆 with a thrilling 3-1 win over rivals Al Hilal! The match, played in front of a roaring home crowd in Jeddah, sets up a potential all-Saudi showdown if Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr advances past Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale on Wednesday.
⚡ The Early Spark: Firmino, Al Ahli’s captain, opened the scoring just 9 minutes in with a clinical finish off a slick assist from Brazilian teammate Galeno. The ex-Liverpool star now has 6 goals in the tournament! Not to be outdone, Toney doubled the lead before halftime with a cheeky chip over the keeper, thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s killer through-ball 🎯 (his 8th assist this campaign!).
🔥 Drama Unfolds: Al Hilal’s Salem Al Dawsari struck back before the break, but chaos followed in the second half. Toney had two goals ruled out for offside 🚩, Firmino rattled the post, and Al Hilal lost Kalidou Koulibaly to a red card after a wild tackle. Substitute Feras Al Buraikan sealed the deal in stoppage time, sending Al Ahli fans into a frenzy!
🌟 What’s Next: Al Ahli remains unbeaten in the tournament and is one win away from claiming Asia’s top club prize. Will Ronaldo & Co. join them for a Saudi Super Classico finale? Stay tuned! ⏳⚽
