ACL Elite: Jesus, Jaissle, Malcom, Kessie preview all-RSL clash

The highly anticipated AFC Champions League Elite semi-final between Roshn Saudi League pair Al Hilal and Al Ahli kicks off on Tuesday night at what is sure to be a packed Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.

RSL champions Al Hilal know all about this stage of the tournament: the Riyadh giants, record four-time winners of Asian club football’s premier prize, have contested the last four eight times previously in the Champions League era.

Al Ahli, meanwhile, got to the semi-final in 2012, when they came up against Sea Derby rivals Al Ittihad and won through after two legs - 2-1 on aggregate. They did, though, lose the final to South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.

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The 2024-25 semi-finalists have already come up against each other three times this season; in the RSL, when Al Hilal won 2-1 in Matchweek 6, while Al Ahli exacted revenge in the return clash, triumphing 3-2 in Matchweek 23 in February, with Ivan Toney netting a hat-trick.

Their other meeting was way back at the beginning of the campaign, in August, where Al Hilal prevailed on penalties in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals.

In Jeddah on Monday, the two camps faced the media to preview their next titanic tussle set to play out on the shores of the Red Sea. Here’s a flavour of what was said, to help to get you in the mood - as if that's needed.

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.

“We understand our responsibilities, and now we will wait for the final. There's nothing more to it. All the players are highly motivated for tomorrow's game. We are enjoying the moment, giving our best, and not afraid to make mistakes.”

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.

"Both sides know each other very well. There are advantages and disadvantages for each team. The preparation will be very detailed and very focused."