LONDON: Three Saudi Arabian teams Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Nassr have advanced to the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Elite in Jeddah, with hopes high for an all-Saudi final.
Al-Hilal will face Al-Ahli on Tuesday in the first semifinal, while Al-Nassr will take on Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Al-Hilal head into their clash with Al-Ahli on a high after a dominant 7-0 quarterfinal win over South Korea’s Gwangju FC.
Coach Jorge Jesus saw goals from seven different players, with Salem Al-Dawsari, who has scored nine times in the tournament, continuing his exceptional form.
Al-Dawsari’s performance will be crucial as Al-Hilal aims for another final appearance.
Al-Ahli, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their recent 3-0 victory over Buriram United. Fans remain hopeful following a previous win over Al-Hilal in domestic competition, although Al-Hilal were missing Brazilian star Roberto Firmino in that encounter.
Firmino, now back in action, delivered a standout performance against Buriram and is expected to play a key role in Tuesday’s match.
On the other side of the bracket, Al-Nassr will rely on Cristiano Ronaldo’s leadership as they seek their first-ever Asian title. After dispatching Yokohama F. Marinos 4-1 in the quarterfinals, Al-Nassr faced a sterner test against Kawasaki Frontale, who reached their first semifinal after beating Qatar’s Al-Sadd 3-2 in extra time.
Kawasaki will look to avoid the early defensive lapses that plagued other East Asian teams in the quarterfinals.
This year marks the first time three teams from the same country have reached the last four of the tournament.
However, it is not the first time Saudi clubs have faced off in the semifinals. In 2012, Al-Ahli overcame Al-Ittihad, while in 2021, Al-Hilal defeated Al-Nassr on their way to securing a fourth continental title.
With history on the line, fans can expect two high-stakes encounters as Saudi clubs aim for a historic all-Saudi final.
[Reported by Arab News]
