Al Ahli Saudi Triumphs Over Al Sadd in Thrilling ACL Elite Match

In a gripping encounter at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC overcame a resilient Al Sadd SC to secure a 2-1 victory in their AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite clash on October 24, 2023. The match showcased a blend of skill and determination from both teams, but it was Al Ahli who emerged victorious, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring for Al Ahli in the first half, capitalizing on a well-crafted opportunity. Despite Al Sadd’s spirited response, which included a second-half equalizer from Claudinho, it was Matheus Goncalves who sealed the win for the Saudi side with a decisive strike shortly after Al Sadd had leveled the match.

Match Highlights and Player Performances

The match began with Al Sadd dominating possession and creating several chances. Early attempts included a close-range effort from Rafa Mujica that was blocked in the seventh minute, and a long-range shot from Akram Afif that was expertly saved by Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Despite their early pressure, Al Sadd struggled to find the back of the net, with a goal by Mujica ruled out for offside.

Al Ahli broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Mahrez scored from the center of the box, finishing a move initiated by Enzo Millot. As the first half drew to a close, Al Sadd continued to press forward, with Mujica hitting the crossbar just before the whistle.

Al Sadd’s persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Claudinho scored, firing a shot into the top-right corner after receiving a pass from Afif. The joy was short-lived, however, as just five minutes later, Al Ahli responded with Goncalves finding the net from a challenging angle, regaining the lead for the visitors.

Reactions and Future Prospects

Despite the loss, Al Sadd head coach Sergio Allegri praised his team’s effort, suggesting they deserved a better outcome. “We played a good match against a strong team, but luck was not on our side,” Allegri stated post-match. He emphasized that the team had created enough opportunities to secure a positive result and expressed optimism for their future in the competition.

The defeat leaves Al Sadd in a challenging position with two losses and two draws, placing them in 10th position in the group standings. In contrast, Al Ahli’s victory elevates them to second place, marking their third win of the season and extending their unbeaten streak to 22 matches across all competitions.

As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and enhance their performances. Al Ahli will aim to maintain momentum, while Al Sadd seeks to turn their fortunes around in upcoming fixtures.