Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Al Ahli Climb to the Top of the Saudi Pro League

Al Ahli moved provisionally to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings after securing a hard-fought and valuable 1-0 away victory over Damac in a tense encounter that remained dramatic until the final moments, with late twists that almost changed the outcome.

The Jeddah side entered the match fully aware of the importance of all three points in the heated title race with Al Nassr and Al Hilal. The win lifted their tally to 56 points after 23 rounds, one point ahead of Al Nassr, who face Al Najma in a crucial fixture, and two clear of Al Hilal, who are preparing to take on Al Taawoun.

Damac, meanwhile, remain in a difficult position, sitting 16th — the first of the relegation spots — with 16 points, making every match a must-win battle in their fight for survival.

Despite the defeat, Damac delivered one of their most spirited performances of the season and came close to earning a positive result, only for VAR to rule out two of their goals, including one in stoppage time.

Key Moments of the Match

The hosts made a fiery start and thought they had taken the lead just two minutes in through Morlaye Sylla, but their celebrations were cut short after the referee overturned the goal following a VAR review.

Al Ahli responded quickly with a dangerous move from their top scorer Ivan Toney, who latched onto a through ball and delicately chipped it over the goalkeeper, only to be denied by the offside flag.

Chances followed at both ends, and Damac nearly broke the deadlock when Georges-Kévin Nkoudou’s header drifted narrowly wide of the post. However, the breakthrough came for Al Ahli in the 37th minute. A well-delivered free-kick from Riyad Mahrez caused confusion inside the box, and the ball fell in front of Franck Kessié, who fired a powerful shot into the net.

Just before the interval, Mahrez came close to doubling the lead, but his effort struck the post.

The tempo dipped slightly early in the second half before Damac began pushing forward in search of an equalizer, taking advantage of Al Ahli’s deeper defensive approach. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy proved decisive, producing several outstanding saves to preserve the advantage.

The most dramatic moment arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Nkoudou rose to meet a cross and headed the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among Damac’s players. However, VAR intervened once again, and after a lengthy review, the goal was ruled out for offside, prompting furious protests from the striker and heated exchanges with Al Ahli players.

While Al Ahli celebrated a crucial win that strengthens their title ambitions, Damac were left frustrated after coming agonizingly close to snatching a valuable point in their relegation battle.

In another match, Al Qadsiah recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over Al Ettifaq, effectively deciding the contest early after scoring twice within the opening seven minutes.

Al Qadsiah moved up to 53 points to consolidate fourth place, while Al Ettifaq remain seventh with 38 points. The visitors finished the match with ten men after Abdullah Al Khaibari was sent off in the closing stages. Al Qadsiah added two more goals in stoppage time to underline their dominance and send a strong message to their rivals ahead of the decisive phase of the season.

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Al Ahli Climb to the Top of the Saudi Pro League

Key Moments of the Match

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