Mahrez winner sends Al Ahli past Al Ittihad in Saudi Pro League

Riyad Mahrez rose to the occasion again for Al Ahli with the only goal in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over defending champions Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

هدف! ⚽️
رياض محرز يفتتح #ديربي_جدة ويمنح الأهلي التقدّم 🔥 #الاتحاد_الأهلي | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Wh4jNP1eLg

— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) November 8, 2025

It was an African connection that gave Ahli the important victory. A bursting run down the right wing from Ivory Coast national team star Franck Kessié led to a cross towards Mahrez. The Algeria national team talisman was able to win the ball despite the presence of two defenders and produced a clever finish past Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

While both teams are struggling in the early stages of their league campaigns, the victory continues a strong run of form. Since a shock elimination from the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at the hands of African club champions Pyramids FC, the Jeddah club are now unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions.

Mahrez, who scored earlier in the week as his club defeated Qatari giants Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite, now has first goal in Saudi Pro League play this season and has 4 goals and 6 assists in 15 matches from all competitions.

The big spending Saudi club, now in 5th place and eight points back of leaders Al Nassr, will take time off for the international break before returning to action at home in another challenging match, this time against 4th place side Al Qadsiah on November 21.