Asian Champions League: Al-Ain reaches final by beating Al-Hilal 5-4 on aggregate

Saudi Arabia’s hopes of winning the continental trophy were dashed when Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates defeated Al-Hilal 5-4 on aggregate in the semifinals to go to the Asian Champions League final on Tuesday.

Despite having injured players Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic, four-time winner Al-Hilal triumphed 2-1 in Riyadh but was unable to overcome the 4-2 deficit from the first leg last week.

Since the Saudi Pro League’s knockout phases started in February, Al-Hilal is the fourth club to lose.

After barely four minutes, the whole full audience at the Kingdom Arena was up and dancing in support of Al-Hilal in the second leg.

Arriving from Wolverhampton in the English Premier League last summer, Ruben Neves scored a penalty after Brazilian forward Michael Delgado was pulled down by Kouame Kouadio.

Seven minutes later, Al-Ain, the 2003 winner and two-time runner-up, restored its two-goal edge, silencing the home crowd. On the boundary, Erik Jorgens received a pass from Yahia Nader, and the Brazilian hit a low shot that found the bottom corner.

Al-Hilal tied the score six minutes into the second half thanks to a goal by Salem Al-Dawsari. After a poor defensive header, the Asian player of the year gathered the ball and sent a low shot through a huddle of players and into the net.

With an eye on the goal that would equalize the score, the home team players quickly returned to their spots. Then, with himself all alone in the penalty box, Delgado saw his shot go between goalkeeper Khalid Eisa’s legs.

Al-Ain’s next opponent in the eastern zone semifinal will be determined in May. Having won the first leg 1-0, Ulsan HD of South Korea will be visiting Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.