By On April 29, 2025, Al Ahli Saudi FC delivered a commanding performance, defeating rivals Al Hilal 3-1 in a semi-final clash that secured their place in the final of what is likely the Saudi King’s Cup, given the timing and historical context of the competition. The match, which showcased Al Ahli’s tactical prowess and attacking flair, saw goals from Roberto Firmino, L. Toney, and F. Al Buraikan, while Al Hilal’s lone goal came from S. Dawasari.
This victory not only highlights Al Ahli’s resurgence in Saudi football but also underscores their rich legacy as one of the kingdom’s “big four” clubs, a legacy bolstered by strategic investments and a history of international talent.
Match Recap: A Dominant Display by Al Ahli
The match kicked off with Al Ahli asserting early dominance, and it didn’t take long for their efforts to bear fruit. In the 9th minute, Brazilian star Roberto Firmino, who joined Al Ahli in 2023 after a storied career with Liverpool, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. His goal set the tone for Al Ahli’s attacking intent, showcasing the kind of flair and precision that has made him a fan favorite in Jeddah.
Firmino’s impact in the Saudi Pro League has been significant since his arrival, and his early strike against Al Hilal reaffirmed his status as a key player for the club.
Al Hilal, however, responded with resilience. In the 42nd minute, S. Dawasari found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 just before halftime. Dawasari’s goal was a moment of brilliance for Al Hilal, a club known for its consistency and success in Saudi football, having never been relegated from the top flight alongside Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al Nassr, as noted in historical records of the Saudi Pro League (Wikipedia, Al-Ahli Saudi FC). The equalizer gave Al Hilal momentum heading into the break, setting the stage for a tense second half.
Al Ahli emerged from the interval with renewed vigor, and just three minutes into the second half, L. Toney restored their lead with a well-taken goal in the 48th minute. Toney’s strike demonstrated Al Ahli’s depth in attack, a testament to the club’s recent investments in high-profile talent as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, which saw the Public Investment Fund (PIF) take a 75% stake in Al Ahli and three other founding clubs in 2023 (Wikipedia, Saudi Pro League). This financial backing has allowed Al Ahli to bolster their squad with international stars, enhancing their competitiveness on both domestic and continental stages.
The match remained fiercely contested, with Al Hilal pushing for another equalizer. However, Al Ahli’s defense held firm, and in the 90+8th minute, F. Al Buraikan sealed the victory with a late goal, sparking wild celebrations among the Al Ahli faithful. The 3-1 scoreline reflected Al Ahli’s dominance and their ability to capitalize on crucial moments, securing their place in the final and sending a strong message to their rivals.
Historical Context: Al Ahli’s Legacy of Success
Al Ahli’s victory over Al Hilal is a continuation of their storied history in Saudi football. Founded as one of the four original members of the Saudi Pro League, Al Ahli has long been a powerhouse in the kingdom’s footballing landscape. They were the first Saudi club to achieve the league and King’s Cup double, doing so in 1978 and again in 2016, a feat that underscores their historical dominance (Wikipedia, Al-Ahli Saudi FC).
The 2015-16 season, in particular, marked a high point in the club’s history, as they secured a historic treble under Swiss coach Christian Gross, winning the Saudi Professional League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. That season’s 3-1 victory over Al Hilal in the league, much like the 2025 semi-final, was a defining moment for the club, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with.
Al Ahli’s success has often been tied to their ability to integrate international talent into their squad. In the 1980s, legendary Brazilian coach Telê Santana led Al Ahli to the league title in 1984 and the King’s Cup in 1983, laying the groundwork for the club’s tradition of leveraging global expertise (Wikipedia, Al-Ahli Saudi FC).
This tradition continued into the modern era with the signing of Roberto Firmino, whose experience and skill have been pivotal in Al Ahli’s recent campaigns. Firmino’s goal in the semi-final against Al Hilal is a testament to the club’s strategy of blending local talent with international stars, a strategy that has been further amplified by the PIF’s investment in Saudi football.
The Bigger Picture: Saudi Football’s Evolution
The 2025 semi-final clash between Al Ahli and Al Hilal is emblematic of the broader evolution of Saudi football. The Saudi Pro League, rebranded in 2008, has grown into Asia’s top-ranked league, thanks to the consistent performances of its clubs in continental competitions like the AFC Champions League Elite (Wikipedia, Saudi Pro League).
The league’s global profile has soared in recent years, particularly following the 2023 transfer window, during which Saudi clubs spent nearly $1 billion to acquire 94 overseas players from Europe’s major leagues, including Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Premier League (Wikipedia, Saudi Pro League). This influx of talent, driven by the PIF’s investments, has elevated the quality of football in the kingdom, making matches like Al Ahli vs. Al Hilal must-watch events for fans worldwide.
For Al Ahli, the 2025 season represents a chance to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of Saudi football. After suffering relegation in the 2021-22 season—a first in the club’s history—they have bounced back with renewed ambition. Their victory over Al Hilal, a club with whom they share a fierce rivalry, is a statement of intent.
Al Hilal, too, has a storied history, having reached the AFC Champions League final multiple times and consistently challenging for domestic honors. The semi-final defeat will sting, but it also highlights the growing competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, where any of the “big four” clubs—Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Nassr—can claim supremacy on their day.
Key Performers: Firmino’s Influence and Al Ahli’s Depth
Roberto Firmino’s impact in the semi-final cannot be overstated. Since joining Al Ahli, the Brazilian forward has brought a wealth of experience and technical ability to the squad. His goal in the 9th minute was a masterclass in positioning and finishing, and his overall performance underscored his importance to the team.
Firmino’s stats for the 2024-25 season, as tracked by LiveScore, highlight his consistent contributions in terms of goals and assists, making him a linchpin in Al Ahli’s attack (LiveScore, Roberto Firmino 24/25 Season Stats).
Beyond Firmino, Al Ahli’s squad depth was on full display. L. Toney’s goal in the 48th minute showcased the team’s ability to strike at critical moments, while F. Al Buraikan’s late strike in the 90+8th minute demonstrated their resilience and determination to see out the game. This balance of international stars and local talent has been a hallmark of Al Ahli’s success, and it positions them well for the final, where they will look to add another trophy to their illustrious history.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Final
With this victory, Al Ahli now turns their attention to the final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final. The King’s Cup has long been a prestigious competition in Saudi football, dating back to its origins in the 1950s as the only nationwide tournament before the establishment of the Saudi Pro League (Wikipedia, Saudi Pro League). For Al Ahli, winning the 2025 edition would be a significant achievement, adding to their record of success in the competition and further solidifying their resurgence.
The victory over Al Hilal also has implications for Al Ahli’s confidence heading into the latter stages of the 2024-25 season. With the Saudi Pro League title race still ongoing and potential continental competitions on the horizon, Al Ahli’s blend of experience, talent, and tactical discipline makes them a formidable opponent. For fans of Al Ahlawy, the club’s passionate ultras, this win is a moment of pride and a reminder of the club’s enduring legacy.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Greatness
Al Ahli’s 3-1 triumph over Al Hilal on April 29, 2025, is more than just a semi-final victory—it’s a statement of their ambition and a nod to their storied past. With Roberto Firmino leading the charge and a squad brimming with talent, Al Ahli is poised to reclaim their place among Saudi football’s elite. As they prepare for the final, the club carries the hopes of their fans and the weight of their history, aiming to add another chapter to their legacy of success. For now, Al Ahli can bask in the glory of a hard-fought victory, knowing that their journey to greatness is well underway.
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