Al-Ahli fans in Dammam were shocked after squandering their lead
German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli's first football team, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation after his team failed to maintain their comfortable 2-0 lead against hosts Al-Qadisiyah, ultimately suffering a painful 3-2 defeat. This thrilling encounter took place at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, as part of the 26th round of the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League). This result came as a shock to Al-Ahli fans, who had hoped to continue accumulating points to secure a higher position in the standings, in line with the club's ambitious project to return to the podium.
Reasons for the decline and replacement of Riyad Mahrez
During the post-match press conference, Jääsle spoke candidly about the game, saying, "We are very disappointed after this painful loss, especially since we were in control and leading." The German coach addressed one of the most prominent tactical decisions that raised questions among fans: the substitution of Algerian star Riyad Mahrez. He explained, "I substituted Riyad Mahrez because of the immense physical effort he exerted during the match, and everyone witnessed his outstanding performance throughout the first half." It's worth noting that Mahrez is considered one of Al Ahly's key attacking players, and his technical impact as a playmaker and winger has been undeniable since his arrival from Manchester City. His absence or substitution makes him a significant turning point in the team's performance.
Al-Qadisiyah proves its strength and rich history
Yassleh didn't neglect to praise the opposing team's capabilities, emphasizing that Al-Qadisiyah is a strong and tenacious team that cannot be underestimated. He added, "We entered the match knowing our opponent well and didn't take them lightly, especially since they have very high-quality players. We had previously triumphed over them, but today they managed to defeat us." Historically, Al-Qadisiyah is considered one of the most prestigious clubs in the Eastern Province and has always been a strong contender against the top Saudi clubs. With recent developments in the Saudi League, they now possess a squad capable of making a difference and turning the tide of a match at any moment.
Al-Hilal's classic match: The next challenge and a chance for redemption
In closing, Yassleh delivered a message of challenge and optimism for the upcoming stage, emphasizing that this setback must be transformed into positive energy. He stated, "This loss should give us a very strong incentive in our next match against Al-Hilal." The upcoming encounter against Al-Hilal (the Saudi Clasico) carries added significance, not only because it is a highly anticipated and historic match, but also because Al-Hilal is currently enjoying one of its best periods. For Al-Ahli, achieving a positive result in the Clasico is crucial to appease the fans and secure a top-four finish that qualifies them for the AFC Champions League next season, which is the club's most important strategic objective in this exceptional season.
