AFC Champions League: Mahrez sets up opener as Al Ahli end league stage with win

Riyad Mahrez provided an assist on Monday as Saudi Pro League title contenders Al Ahli SC ended the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite with a 4-3 victory over Emirati club Al Ahli Dubai.

 

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The Algerian provided a cross for Saudi national team forward Firas Al Buraikan to put the hosts and competition’s defending champions ahead at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. A fantastic start saw an own goal arrive in the 35th minute before French star Enzo Millot made it 3-0 in first half stoppage time.

A penalty kick early in the second half gave the impression that the hosts would enjoy being on top in a lopsided thrashing. However, the visitors from the UAE had other ideas.

Al Ahli hold off late charge

Brazilian midfielder Breno struck twice over the span of twelve minutes to inject some suspense into the match. Mohammed Al Mansouri’s goal deep into second half stoppage time finally brought the deficit down to one goal but it was not enough for the Dubai club.

Al Ahli are guaranteed to finish as runners-up in the West section of the main phase, with rivals Al Hilal set to finish at the top in the 12-team group. The top eight finishers qualify for the knockout phase, which is set to begin at the beginning of March.

Mahrez was one of the key performers from last season’s team during their continental conquest, providing 9 goals and 8 assists as they became kings of Asian club football for the first time in the club’s history. He now has 6 goals and 11 assists in 29 matches across all competitions this season.