Jeddah played host to a night of contrasting emotions in the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals on Friday, as Al-Ahli Saudi FC battled from behind with ten men to reach the last four while Al-Ittihad were eliminated in a cruel finish across the city.
Ten Men, One Mission
Al-Ahli entered their quarter-final against Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim as defending champions, and the match delivered every ounce of tension a high-stakes continental tie could offer. More than 40,000 supporters packed Al-Inma Stadium, and the atmosphere was electric long before kick-off.
The adversity came early and without warning. An Ali Majrashi own goal handed Johor the lead in the 19th minute, and within the hour mark he was gone — sent off for serious foul play in the 37th minute, leaving Al-Ahli to face the second half with a man short and a goal behind. It was goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who steadied the ship, gathering his players for a brief but decisive team talk. Franck Kessie responded with a powerful header from a Galeno corner to equalise before the break, giving the side renewed belief heading into the second 45 minutes.
The difference in the second half came from a moment of individual brilliance. In the 54th minute, Galeno collected possession and struck with venom from distance, his long-range effort flying past the goalkeeper to put Al-Ahli ahead. The Jeddah side held on from there, with Mendy producing a series of sharp saves to preserve the 2-1 lead and seal their place in the semi-finals.
Al-Ittihad’s Season Comes to a Quiet End
A few kilometres away at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium, the mood among Al-Ittihad supporters was one of quiet disappointment. Their club, which had entered the tournament carrying the weight of a difficult domestic season — having missed out on the Saudi Pro League title and fallen in the King Cup semi-finals — had one final target in their sights. Machida Zelvia of Japan took it away with a single, deflected strike from Tete Yengi in the 31st minute.
Al-Ittihad pushed for an equaliser throughout, but head coach Sérgio Conceição was left to rue the missed opportunities as the final whistle brought a 1-0 defeat and the end of their continental campaign for the season.
Eyes on the Semi-Finals
Al-Ahli will now face Vissel Kobe of Japan in the semi-finals, scheduled for Monday as part of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026. Vissel Kobe advanced after defeating Al-Sadd of Qatar 5-4 on penalties in a similarly dramatic quarter-final encounter on Thursday.
With the likes of Galeno, Kessie, Riyad Mahrez and Mendy at their disposal, Al-Ahli head into the last four with momentum and the weight of history behind them. A second consecutive title would place them among the most decorated clubs in the modern era of Asian club football.
