In a really intense AFC Champions League semi-final Al-Hilal got hit hard when Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off against Al-Ahli. The red card which came in the 58th minute for a second yellow after he fouled Roger Ibanez really bad left Al-Hilal playing with just ten men making it super hard to catch up to Al-Ahli who was winning 2-1. This shows how Al-Hilal keeps having problems with ref decisions lately.
- Kalidou Koulibaly got shown a red card in minute 58 against Al-Ahli
- Al-Hilal had it rough with ten men being down 2-1 in the semi-final
- Roger Ibanez was key in getting Al-Ahli the win
Roger Ibanez: Al-Ahli’s Defensive Star
Roger Ibanez keeps doing amazing for Al-Ahli and really helps the team win games. You could really see his defensive skills and how good he is at starting attacks in the semi-final against Al-Hilal. When Koulibaly got that red card because of him it really showed how much he can change a game.
Koulibaly sent off! 🟥
Ibanez has been on another level recently! 🔥
https://t.co/nGKjkrnKba— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol)
April 29, 2025
Ibanez played so good he got named Roshn Saudi League Player of the Month for April 2025. He got three assists in 11 games which shows how good he is at different things making him super important for Al-Ahli’s defense.
Al-Hilal’s Strategic Challenges
Al-Hilal been kind of up and down lately sometimes winning big sometimes losing bad. People aren’t happy that manager Jorge Jesus keeps starting Ali Al-Bulayhi and it’s making things harder while they try to do good in both the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League. Koulibaly getting that red card shows they gotta change how they play.
If you wanna know more about what the manager’s doing with Al-Hilal check out the controversial decision by Jorge Jesus.
Al-Ahli’s Triumph and Future Prospects
Al-Ahli took advantage of having more players with Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney scoring to keep them ahead. When Koulibaly had to leave it changed everything showing how hard things are for Al-Hilal right now. Al-Ahli winning this game proves they’re really good and know what they’re doing making them tough to beat in the league.
While everyone watches Al-Hilal needs to fix their problems to play better. At the same time Al-Ahli keeps winning cause they work good together and plan things right.
