Al Ahli Saudi FC Triumphs Over Al Sadd SC in AFC Champions League

In a thrilling encounter at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on October 24, 2023, defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC overcame a determined challenge from Al Sadd SC, securing a 2-1 victory in their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite match. The win marks Al Ahli’s third triumph of the season and extends their unbeaten run to an impressive 22 matches in the tournament.

Algerian international Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring for the visitors in the 34th minute, capitalizing on a setup from Enzo Millot. Despite Al Sadd’s strong performance in the first half, they struggled to convert their chances, with key attempts from players like Rafa Mujica and Roberto Firmino thwarted by Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Al Sadd’s Resilience and Response

Al Sadd responded strongly after the break, equalizing in the 63rd minute through a well-placed shot by Claudinho, who was assisted by Akram Afif. The home crowd erupted in celebration, but their joy was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Matheus Goncalves restored Al Ahli’s lead with a precise strike from a tight angle, putting the visitors ahead once again.

Al Sadd’s head coach, Sergio Allegri, expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss. “We played a good match against a strong team, but luck was not on our side,” he stated. Allegri emphasized that they had created numerous chances and were deserving of a better outcome, noting that there is still hope for his squad in the competition.

Match Dynamics and Key Moments

Throughout the match, Al Sadd showed resilience, dominating possession early on. Mendy made several critical saves, including a remarkable stop against Afif’s long-range effort. The first half saw a close call when Mujica’s shot was ruled offside, reflecting the fine margins that characterized the game.

As the match progressed, Al Ahli’s experience shone through. Mahrez’s opening goal not only shifted momentum but also highlighted the visitors’ attacking prowess. Following Claudinho’s equalizer, Al Ahli’s ability to respond quickly with Goncalves’ goal underscored their tactical discipline and clinical finishing.

Al Sadd now finds themselves in 10th position with two losses and two draws in the tournament, while Al Ahli climbs to second place. The match showcased the competitive nature of the AFC Champions League, with both teams demonstrating their capabilities and intent.

As the tournament continues, both sides will look to build on this performance, with Al Ahli aiming to maintain their strong form and Al Sadd seeking to turn their fortunes around in upcoming fixtures.