Saudi Arabia’s two remaining representatives in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite have secured their place in the quarter-finals following a dramatic round of 16 that produced late drama, penalty heartbreak, and moments of individual brilliance at grounds across Jeddah.
Mahrez Delivers for Al Ahli in Extra Time
Defending champions Al Ahli advanced to the last eight with a 1-0 victory over Qatar’s Al Duhail, but the win was anything but comfortable. The match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium stretched deep into extra time after a goalless 90 minutes, and Al Ahli found themselves just minutes from a penalty shootout when Riyad Mahrez stepped forward in the 117th minute to produce one of the competition’s defining moments of the season.
The Algerian winger, who has been among Al Ahli’s most influential performers throughout the campaign, bent a vicious left-footed free kick from outside the penalty area beyond the reach of goalkeeper Salah Zakaria to settle the tie and send the Jeddah side through. It was a fitting conclusion to a contest that had seen Zakaria produce a superb save to deny Ivan Toney from the spot late in the first period of extra time, keeping the Qatari side alive deep into the evening.
Mahrez said after the final whistle that the match had been a difficult one, acknowledging the quality of the opposition before expressing his satisfaction at advancing through a free kick in the dying moments of extra time. Al Ahli will face Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim in the quarter-finals.
Al Ittihad Through with a Professional Display
Al Ittihad also secured their quarter-final place, defeating Al Wahda 1-0 in a tightly contested round-of-16 encounter. The Jeddah club managed the tie with discipline and controlled efficiency, booking their berth in the last eight and maintaining the momentum of what has been a strong continental campaign. The result adds further weight to Saudi Arabia’s standing in Asian club football, where the Kingdom’s clubs have been the benchmark for consistency and ambition over recent seasons.
Saudi Clubs Remain a Continental Force
The results leave Saudi Arabia with two clubs in the quarter-finals of Asia’s premier club competition. With the defending champions still in contention and Al Ittihad alongside them, the depth of quality within the Saudi Pro League continues to make itself felt on the continental stage. Both clubs will be considered strong contenders to advance further as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.
