Al Ahli ran out 3-1 winners over 10-man Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League clash in Jeddah on Tuesday to book a place in Saturday's Asian Champions League Elite final and keep their dream of a first continental title alive.

Goals from Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney in the ninth and 27th minutes respectively gave Matthias Jaissle's side a two-goal lead before Salem Al-Dawsari reduced the deficit three minutes before the break.

A second yellow card for defender Kalidou Koulibaly reduced the four-time champions to 10 men for the final 30 minutes, and Al Hilal went out despite Yassine Bounou's late penalty from Franck Kessié, with Feras Al-Brikan adding a late third.

"It was a fantastic evening," said Jaissle. "I am so, so proud of each of the players and what we were doing as a unit, and as a unit I mean with the fans here in the stadium as well. It was a totally deserved win.

"We knew it would be a hard fight against Al-Hilal, but I'm really happy with how we dealt with that."

Al Ahli have never won the Asian title, losing in the final in 1986 and 2012, and will now face either Al Nassr or Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the decider. They will meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday.