Al Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu admits AFC Champions League semi-final opponents Al Hilal are statistically the stronger side but insists the result of their first-leg on Tuesday in Riyadh’s King Fahd Stadium is far from a foregone conclusion.
The Red Knights are bidding to become just the second Emirati team in history to reach the final of the continental competition but first they must overcome Saudi Arabian giants Hilal.
While Ahli had never made it past the group stages prior to this season, Hilal have reached five Champions League finals, winning the trophy twice in 1991 and 2000 and finishing as runners-up in 1986, 1987 and 2014.
Olaroiu is well aware of the daunting task ahead against a team he himself coached from 2007 to 2009. “I know them, they know me. We have a special relationship, but the game is the game,” said the Romanian.
Al Ahli’s 1-0 win over Naft Tehran in Iran in the quarter-finals was just their third win in 20 away matches in the Champions League while Hilal have never lost a home match against an Emirati club in the competition.
Hilal are also on an incredible home run. Since losing 1-0 to Lekhwiya in the last 16 in 2013, the Saudi side have been unbeaten at home in the Champions League, winning 10 games and drawing two.
“Hilal have won many Asian competitions, they have a lot of supporters, they have quality players and have a coach (Giorgos Donis) who has managed to turn things around for them in a positive way,” said Olaroiu. “They’re also constantly in the latter stages of the Champions League. So they’re definitely a strong opponent. Ahli are less experienced in this competition so statistically, and on paper, Hilal are the better team.
“But matches are decided on the pitch and the team that plays with more calmness will win. Hilal are a big team but no team is invincible. We’ve got nothing to lose. We’ve put in a lot of effort to reach this stage and we’ll try to keep going.”
Ahli captain Ahmed Khalil, who has scored six goals so far and is the joint-second highest scorer in the competition insists the Red Knights are not intimidated.
“The Hilal supporters will come out in full force in the stands but that will only motivate us even more and will give u a jolt of enthusiasm to give our best,” said Khalil.
“We’ve played some excellent matches in the AFC Champions League so far and the team has been evolving with every match and I believe we are now at our peak. We are ready to take on Al Hilal.
“It’s true that Hilal have quality players but our level has significantly improved. We hope to honour the reputation of UAE football by reaching a dream final and I have the utmost confidence in my team-mates that we can play a game that is worthy of the UAE and Ahli name. In football, nothing is impossible.”
