Al-Ahli down Al-Hilal to reach Asian Champions League final

JEDDAH :Al-Ahli secured a 3-1 win over 10-man Al-Hilal to win the battle of the Saudi Pro League sides in Jeddah on Tuesday, booking a place in Saturday's final of the Asian Champions League Elite to keep their dream of a first continental title alive.

Goals from Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney in the ninth and 27th minutes respectively gave Matthias Jaissle's side a two-goal lead before Salem Al-Dawsari reduced the deficit three minutes from the interval.

A second yellow card for defender Kalidou Koulibaly left the four-times champions down to 10 men for the last 30 minutes and Al-Hilal crashed out despite a late penalty save by Yassine Bounou from Franck Kessie as Feras Al-Brikan netted a late third.

"It was a fantastic evening," said Jaissle. "I am so, so proud of each of the players and what we were doing as a unit, and as a unit I mean with the fans here in the stadium as well. It was a totally deserved win.

"We knew it would be a hard fight against Al-Hilal, but I'm really happy with how we dealt with that."

Al-Ahli have never won the Asian title, losing in the final in 1986 and 2012, and will face either compatriots Al-Nassr or Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the decider. The pair face off in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

The home side went ahead when Roger Ibanez's incisive ball from inside his own half released Galeno down the left and the Brazilian's first-time centre was steered in by Firmino as he arrived in the six-yard box at pace.

Al-Ahli were dominating and their pressure paid off in the 27th minute, although their celebrations were briefly put on hold.

Riyad Mahrez's slide-rule pass released Toney behind the defence and he rolled the ball home after rounding Bounou but, while the assistant referee had raised