United Arab Emirates’ Al-Ain have advanced to the AFC Champions League final, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory despite a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on Tuesday. The nail-biting encounter in Riyadh saw Al-Ain withstand a late surge from the hosts to book their place in the final for the first time since 2016.
Al-Hilal, buoyed by a fervent home crowd and the presence of injured star Neymar watching from the stands, started aggressively. Just two minutes into the match, the Saudi Pro League side made a blistering start, with Ruben Neves converting a penalty after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a foul by Kouame Kouadio on Brazilian winger Michael.
Despite the early setback, Al-Ain remained composed. In the 12th minute, they restored their two-goal aggregate advantage. Erik Jorgens orchestrated a swift attack, cutting in from the left and linking up with Kaku and Yahia Nader before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from 14 yards out.
Al-Hilal continued to press, with Ahmed Barman nearly scoring an own goal after his header struck the crossbar. The hosts intensified their efforts in the second half, and in the 51st minute, Salem Al-Dawsari found the net with a low shot into the bottom corner, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
In the closing stages, Al-Hilal pushed relentlessly for the decisive goal to force extra time. However, Al-Ain’s goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made crucial saves, denying Michael’s deflected shot and watching as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic headed over the bar.
With this result, Al-Ain move on to face the winner of the other semi-final between the Republic of Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai and Japan’s Yokohama F Marinos. Ulsan Hyundai currently lead 1-0 ahead of their second-leg match on Wednesday.
The first leg of the final is scheduled for May 11 in either Japan or the Republic of Korea, with Al-Ain hosting the return leg two weeks later. Al-Ain will be aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2003, having fallen short in the 2016 final against South Korea’s Jeonbuk Motors.
Reference(s):
Al-Ain reach Asian Champions League final despite loss at Al-Hilal
cgtn.com
