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‘Perfect’ Al Ahli delight Jaissle

‘Perfect’ Al Ahli delight Jaissle

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle paid tribute to his Al Ahli Saudi FC side after they stuck to the game plan to defeat Al Hilal SFC 3-1 to book their place in the final of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 on Tuesday.
The head coach also applauded the fans, saying they played a huge role in the impressive semi-final result at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
#ACLElite | Semi-finals : Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 1 - 3 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

#ACLElite | Semi-finals : Al Hilal SFC (KSA) 1 - 3 Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

“It was a fantastic evening,” said Jaissle. “I’m so proud of the performance of each player, how we were doing as a unit, including the fans. 

“We totally deserved the win. We knew it was supposed to be a hard fight and I’m really happy with how we dealt with it. 

“Now we focus on the final. Now we are there and we have to make the final step successful as well.”
A relentless Al Ahli forced Al Hilal to sit deep from the get go and it paid off handsomely with Roberto Firmino putting them ahead in the ninth minute. Ivan Toney then doubled their lead in the 27th minute.

Salem Al Dawsari’s effort just before the break pointed to an even more exciting second half but Al Hilal’s hopes were dashed after Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off just before the hour mark for a second yellow. 

Al Ahli then saw three attempts hit the woodwork while Franck Kessie’s penalty was saved but substitute Feras Albrikan’s stoppage time goal capped a fine win for the Jeddah-based side. 
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“These games are usually decided by details. There are some strengths and weaknesses in each team. We tried to identify the best ways to exploit them and they worked perfectly. 

“We handled it marvelously and everybody did it in a brilliant way and we managed to achieve a great result. I’m really happy with the way the goals were scored.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s final, Jaissle dismissed suggestions that Al Ahli will start with an advantage, with his team having an extra day to recover.  

“It doesn’t matter too much. Today we had 24 hours less than Hilal. At this level when you play in the semi-final and final, the legs will deliver. It’s how you deal with the pressure also.”

Al Ahli will face either Saudi Pro League rivals Al Nassr Club or Japan’s Kawasaki Fontale in the final, with first time champions to be crowned.