Al-Ahli's first football team succeeded in climbing to the top of the Saudi Professional League standings, after achieving a valuable and difficult victory over their host, Al-Riyadh, with a clean goal, in the match that brought them together on the grounds of Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in the capital, Riyadh, as part of the twenty-fourth round of the competition.
Al-Ahli dominates, Al-Riyadh's defense holds firm
The match began with a clear attacking approach from Al-Ahli, whose players entered the game determined to secure the three points and maintain their lead at the top of the table. The first half saw intense pressure, with Brazilian star Galinho emerging as one of the most dangerous attacking players, threatening the home team's goal on several occasions. In contrast, Al-Riyadh, under the guidance of their coaching staff, adopted a strategy of tight defensive organization and closing down spaces, relying on quick counter-attacks to try and snatch a surprise goal. Veteran Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan played a heroic role in this half, making a series of crucial saves to keep his net clean until the halftime whistle.
A fatal mistake cost the three points
At the start of the second half, Al-Ahli continued their attacking pressure, searching for a way through Al-Riyadh's defense. Relief came for the visitors in the 75th minute, but it was an own goal. In a dramatic moment, Saleh Abu Shamat delivered a perfect corner kick, and goalkeeper Milan Borjan attempted to clear the ball from danger, but his luck ran out, and he inadvertently deflected it into his own net, giving Al-Ahli the lead.
Al-Ahli's attempts did not stop there, as the last minutes witnessed great excitement after a remarkable run by defender Roger Ibanez, who sent a cross to his English striker teammate Ivan Toni, who skillfully put it in the net. However, the assistant referee's flag was on the lookout, announcing an offside, so the lead remained at one goal until the final whistle.
The importance of winning and the context of the competition
This victory holds immense strategic importance for Al-Ahli, reflecting the team's strong character and its ability to win tight matches, which are often the key to winning titles. This triumph comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing an unprecedented boom and attracting some of the world's top stars, making the competition for the Roshan League title one of the fiercest in the region. Al-Ahli's reaching 59 points and securing the top spot sends a strong message to its direct rivals and confirms the "Castle of Cups'" determination to reclaim its former glory and claim the championship this season.
The two teams' positions in the standings
With this result, Al-Ahli increased their points tally to 59, securing their 18th victory of the season and maintaining their sole lead at the top of the standings. On the other hand, this loss further complicated matters for Al-Riyadh, whose points total remains at 16, placing them in 15th place and putting them under considerable pressure in the upcoming rounds to escape relegation and the danger zone at the bottom of the table.
