Roberto Firmino has written his name into the AFC Champions League record books, scoring a historic goal for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli against Qatar’s Al Hilal in a dramatic 4-3 defeat on Tuesday.
The Brazilian striker opened the scoring for the visitors in the 16th minute of the first leg of the quarter-final clash at Al Thumama Stadium. The goal was Firmino’s seventh in this season’s competition, but its true significance lay in the timing.
By finding the net, Firmino became the first player ever to score in the AFC Champions League for four different clubs. He previously scored in the tournament for Liverpool in 2019, Al Ahli in 2023, and for another Saudi side, Al Nassr, earlier in the 2023-2024 season before his transfer.
Al Ahli’s early lead was short-lived, however. The home side, Al Hilal, responded with force. Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic equalized just four minutes later in the 20th minute, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
The Saudi Pro League leaders then took control. Mitrovic completed his brace with a penalty in the 40th minute, and Brazilian winger Michael added a third in the 49th minute to put Al Hilal 3-1 ahead.
Al Ahli showed tremendous spirit to fight back. Firas Al-Buraikan pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute, and when Al Hilal’s Ali Al-Bulaihi was sent off in the 67th minute, the momentum shifted. Riyad Mahrez converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-3, completing a stunning comeback.
Yet there was one final twist. Deep into stoppage time, in the 11th added minute, Al Hilal’s Salem Al-Dawsari stepped up to score a dramatic winning goal from the penalty spot, sealing a 4-3 victory for his team.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Firmino’s personal milestone stands. His historic achievement adds a remarkable footnote to a classic Champions League night, though Al Ahli now face a steep challenge to overturn the deficit in the second leg in Saudi Arabia on March 12.
