Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli delivered a commanding first-half performance against UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli in the final matchday of the AFC Champions League Elite West Zone group stage on Monday evening at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
A Dominant Display from the Defending Champions
The defending AFC Champions League Elite holders wasted no time imposing their authority on the match. Feras Al-Brikan opened the scoring in the 12th minute, setting the tone for what would become a comprehensive display of attacking football from the home side. The Jeddah-based club continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off with a second goal in the 35th minute, further extending their advantage before the break.
French midfielder Enzo Millot capped off a superb first half with a well-placed left-footed strike from the left side of the box in the third minute of added time, finding the top left corner after being set up by Zakaria Al Hawsawi. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and gave Al-Ahli a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the interval.
Star-Studded Lineup Fires on All Cylinders
Al-Ahli’s lineup featured some of the most recognizable names in Saudi football. Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City star and AFC Champions League winner, orchestrated play from the right flank, while Brazilian winger Galeno provided constant threat on the opposite side. The combination of international talent and homegrown stars such as Al-Brikan and Ziyad Aljohani proved too much for the visitors.
With Ivan Toney and Franck Kessie among the substitutes, head coach Matthias Jaissle demonstrated the remarkable depth at his disposal as the club looks to defend their continental crown.
Cementing Their Place in the Knockout Rounds
The result strengthens Al-Ahli’s position in the West Zone standings. Having already accumulated 14 points from seven matches with a record of four wins, two draws, and one defeat, the Jeddah club sits comfortably in second place behind rivals Al-Hilal, who lead the group with 19 points.
The AFC Champions League Elite knockout rounds are set to take place in Jeddah from April 16 to 25, with both King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium serving as venues. As the defending champions, Al-Ahli will be among the favorites to lift the trophy once again on home soil, a prospect that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s growing stature as a premier destination for world-class football.
