Mahrez and Benzema Fire as Saudi Clubs Shine in Asian Champions League
Defending champions Al Ahli continued their strong start to the AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a 2-1 win over Qatar’s Al Sadd in Doha on Tuesday, while Al Ittihad sealed an emphatic 3-0 victory against Sharjah FC in Jeddah.
The result keeps Al Ahli unbeaten after four matches and moves them to 10 points, just two behind leaders Al Hilal. Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in the 34th minute after Al Sadd midfielder Claudinho was dispossessed deep inside his own half. Enzo Millot quickly fed Mahrez, who placed a precise finish into the bottom corner past Meshaal Barsham.
Claudinho made amends in the 63rd minute with a superb strike into the top corner to bring the hosts level, but Al Ahli responded almost immediately. Just five minutes later, Matheus Gonçalves found space on the left and powered a low shot that proved too strong for Barsham, restoring the visitors’ advantage and securing another crucial three points.
In Jeddah, Al Ittihad bounced back from a slow start to their continental campaign with a convincing win over Sharjah. Steven Bergwijn put the Saudi champions ahead in the eighth minute with a well-directed header, setting the tone for a dominant display. Karim Benzema doubled the lead midway through the second half, side-footing home Moussa Diaby’s cross from the left. Substitute Roger Fernandes added a third deep into stoppage time to complete the victory.
The win lifts Al Ittihad to sixth place in the West Asia standings, six points behind Al Hilal as the competition reaches its midway stage. Both Al Ahli and Al Ittihad will look to maintain their momentum in the upcoming fixtures as they aim to secure a place among the top eight sides who will advance to the knockout rounds in March. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next April.
