Al-Ahli Saudi Boosts Points to 17 from 8 Matches, Second in West Group
Al-Ahli Saudi raised its tally to 17 points from 8 matches, securing second place in the West Group, two points behind local rival Al-Hilal (leaders), who will face UAE's Al-Wahda shortly.
Shabab Al-Ahli secured qualification for the Round of 16 despite the loss, freezing at 11 points in sixth place, benefiting from UAE's Al-Sharjah's defeat to Uzbekistan's Nasaf.
Matthias Jaissle, Al-Ahli's coach, fielded a mix of starters and substitutes aiming for victory and a higher group finish to face a weaker opponent in the Round of 16.
Al-Ahli started strongly: Ziad Al-Jehni hit the post, then Riyad Mahrez cut in from the right and delivered a low cross for Firas Al-Breikan to smash home in the 12th minute.
Al-Ahli maintained dominance; Galenho headed over. As Shabab Al-Ahli tried to regroup, goalkeeper Hamad Al-Mqbali failed to control a pass from teammate Božidar Blanić, gifting a goal in the 35th minute.
Enzo Miu added the third with a deflected shot into the near corner at first-half stoppage time.
At halftime's end, Shabab Al-Ahli threatened; Saeed Ezatolahi headed, saved by Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi, rebounding off the post for a corner.
But Saleh Abu Al-Shamat converted a 52nd-minute penalty for 4-0. Al-Ahli eased off.
Bruno pulled one back in the 66th minute with a low shot to the near post, then exploited Al-Ahli's retreat to score his second after cutting into the box.
Mohamed Juma netted the third in stoppage time, confirmed by VAR, but time ran out for Shabab Al-Ahli's comeback.
Both teams advance to Round of 16 with Al-Hilal, Al-Wahda, Al-Ittihad, Tractor (top 8 per group qualify).
Round of 16 in March; Quarterfinals, Semifinal, and Final in Saudi Arabia tournament format in April.
