Al Ahli’s superstars seal all-Saudi semi! ｜ Al Ahli Saudi (KSA) - Buriram United (THA) ｜ ACL Elite
The AFC Champions League Elite Finals, presented by Neom, continue in Jeddah
as the second quarterfinal of the weekend gets underway between Al Ahly Saudi
and Buridam United in a jam-packed King Abdullah Sports City stadium.
Apart from Gabri Bega, who starts on the bench, it's all hands on deck
for Jaisler's side, with Riyad Mahrez the player to keep an eye on.
The Algerian has eight goals and seven assists in this year's competition.
Buridam frontman Guillermo Bisoli has scored 35 goals in all competitions
this season, with four coming in the Champions League Elite.
Surprisingly, however, the Brazilian starts on the bench today
with Austrian Peter Joule leading the line in attack instead.
Al Ahly, unbeaten in their last 15 Champions League Elite encounters
and off to a very promising start here as well.
Early ball into the box to Mahrez, who puts his boot through it
and finds the far corner.
What a finish from the Algerian, his ninth goal of the competition.
Four minutes in and Al Ahly laying down a marker
and making a statement early here
to send the Al Ahly fans absolutely wild here in Jeddah.
What a start for Jaisler's team.
Less than two minutes later, coming forward again here.
Ibanez with a lovely threaded through ball to Galeno
through the legs of the keeper, and just like that, it is two.
The onslaught continues.
Six minutes play.
Al Ahly double their lead.
Saudi teams are really leaving their mark on the finals here in Jeddah.
Third goal of the competition, sixth since joining in January.
A little over a quarter of an hour gone.
It's been all Al Ahly here so far.
Saudi pro league side absolutely dominating proceedings and making it three.
Bobby Firmino with the header.
Really should be hitting the target from there.
Riyad Mahrez standing over the corner.
The outwards swinger headed on towards the back post.
And now Firmino has his goal.
It's Demiro who heads it his way.
Looked like it was probably just going wide.
And the 33-year-old Brazilian captain is there to put the finishing touches
on another really, really promising move from Al Ahly.
Domination in the first 45.
It's going to be a tough way back for Buriram.
Really, apparently, had a kick here this evening.
Much better start in the second half, but still over a quarter of an hour to go.
And a first real chance for Buriram United.
Should lead up the long-range efforts long later.
Going forward again here.
Decent ball inside.
Demiro puts it into the back of his own net.
Had to make the challenge, but I think he wanted it to head that direction.
It has been much better from Buriram United this second half.
Ball inside to Super Chai, Chai dead.
This time Demiro comes up with an outstanding challenge there.
Just over the crossbar.
Deep into stoppage time here.
Al Ahly looking for the cherry on top.
Galeno to the back post.
Tomares.
Al Ahly can't keep the effort down.
Won't matter, though, as Al Ahly become the next Saudi team to progress to the semis
of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals presented by Neom.
After another dominant display, they now face Al Hilal in the next round.