The AFC Champions League Elite semi-final between Saudi League powerhouses Al Hilal and Al Ahli kicks off Tuesday night at what promises to be a packed Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.
League champions Al Hilal are familiar with this tournament stage – the Riyadh giants, who hold a record four Champions League titles, have reached the semi-finals eight times previously in the Champions League era.
Al Ahli last made the semi-finals in 2012, defeating local rivals Al Ittihad 2-1 on aggregate before losing the final to South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.
The teams have already faced each other three times this season with mixed results. Al Hilal claimed a 2-1 victory in their first league meeting (Matchweek 6), while Al Ahli won the return fixture 3-2 in February’s Matchweek 23 behind Ivan Toney’s hat-trick. Their earliest encounter came in August when Al Hilal prevailed on penalties in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals.
At Monday’s pre-match press conference in Jeddah, both camps shared their thoughts ahead of the crucial match:
Jorge Jesus (Al Hilal manager): “It is a very important match between two big teams. We know each other very well but we are preparing for this match like any other. I’m sure the match will be at a very high level and, if we can put the right strategy and get the maximum performance, we can win.”
“We will not change anything. We have been here for two years now, and we have our own ideas and style. Some small details can be modified but, generally, we will approach the game with our idea.”
Matthias Jaissle (Al Ahli manager): “It helps definitely to know, to feel that we are capable to win against Al Hilal. We’ve played against Al Hilal so often and they have huge quality in their squad, but we’re well prepared. We know exactly what will come tomorrow; there will be no surprises on the pitch. Details will be decisive.”
“It’s obviously going to be a tough and intense match. We have already faced Hilal before, and we know how to prepare. Hilal are a great team, and they have shown that throughout the three years I’ve been [at Al Ahli]. But hopefully, together with the fans in Jeddah, we can create a great moment to win.”
Malcom (Al Hilal forward): “We know our opponents very well and the match is going to be difficult. It will be played at a high level, but I believe that the team that capitalises on the other’s mistakes will win and reach the final.”
“In the end, it’s a semi-final, but in the details, nothing changes. We stick to our ideas and continue chasing our dreams, not because of the competition, but because of what we know and do best for Al Hilal.”
Franck Kessie (Al Ahli captain): “It’s a different kind of game – we’re playing against an opponent we know very well. We are fully prepared for tomorrow’s match, especially with the support of our incredible fans.”
“We are not thinking about the final. Right now, our only focus is on the semi-final. All our energy and attention are on tomorrow’s match.”
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