The Saudi Pro League's latest installment of its fiercely contested "El Clasico" delivered everything fans had anticipated and more, as Al-Ahli produced a scintillating away performance to dismantle rivals Al-Shabab 5-2 at the SHG Arena on February 13, 2026. The comprehensive victory not only showcased the visitors' attacking prowess but also propelled them to second place in the league standings, sending a clear message to their title rivals.
From the opening whistle, Al-Ahli's intentions were unmistakable. The visitors implemented a high-pressing strategy that immediately forced Al-Shabab into hurried clearances and defensive errors. This aggressive approach paid dividends within the first six minutes when Rayan Hamed capitalized on a loose ball from a set piece, demonstrating predatory instincts to smash a close-range effort into the top left corner. The early breakthrough silenced the home crowd and established the tone for what would become a dominant display.
The significance of this victory was amplified by Al-Ahli's pre-match challenges. Turkish defender Merih Demiral was ruled out following a late medical assessment, creating a potential vulnerability in the visitors' back line. Compounding this setback, three foreign players were omitted from the traveling squad, forcing managerial adjustments. Despite these absences, the reshuffled lineup proved more than capable, with Edouard Mendy providing experience between the posts and a defensive unit featuring Matteo Darmian, Roger Ibañez, Ali Majrashi, and the goalscoring Hamed showing remarkable cohesion.
Al-Ahli's midfield trio combined physical dominance with technical sophistication. Franck Kessié anchored the center with his trademark power and precision, while Enzo Millot's creative vision and Ziad Al-Juhani's local dynamism created a balanced engine room. This platform allowed the attacking trident of Galeno, Ivan Toney, and Riyad Mahrez to flourish, and it was this combination that produced the second goal in the 20th minute.
Mahrez, operating in his customary right-wing position, displayed his world-class playmaking ability by threading a perfectly weighted through ball to Kessié. The Ivorian midfielder, timing his run to perfection, coolly slotted home with his right foot into the bottom left corner, doubling Al-Ahli's advantage. If the first goal had rattled Al-Shabab, this second strike left them visibly reeling.
The onslaught continued just five minutes later when Mahrez turned from provider to finisher. A dangerous cross from Zakaria Hawsawi found the Algerian winger in space, and he guided a precise left-footed finish into the bottom right corner. At 3-0, the contest threatened to become a rout, with Al-Ahli's clinical finishing exposing the gaps in Al-Shabab's defensive organization.
To their credit, the home side refused to capitulate. Yannick Carrasco provided a moment of individual brilliance in the 33rd minute, curling a precise free kick over the wall and into the bottom right corner beyond Mendy's reach. The Belgian's strike made it 3-1 and briefly ignited the home crowd's belief in a potential comeback. The atmosphere inside SHG Arena shifted palpably, with Al-Shabab's supporters sensing an opportunity to claw their way back into the match.
However, Al-Ahli's response was immediate and devastating. The visitors' ability to absorb pressure and launch rapid transitions proved too much for Al-Shabab's defense. While the article's provided content ends abruptly, the final 5-2 scoreline indicates that Al-Ahli maintained their attacking impetus while conceding one additional goal to their determined hosts.
The second half likely saw Al-Ahli continue their tactical discipline, exploiting the spaces left by Al-Shabab's increasingly desperate forward pushes. Ivan Toney's presence as a focal point in attack would have created constant problems for the home defense, his physicality and intelligent movement opening channels for Mahrez and Galeno to exploit. The English striker's link-up play, though not detailed in the available match report, was presumably instrumental in maintaining Al-Ahli's offensive threat.
Kessié's performance exemplified the visitors' midfield control. His ability to break up Al-Shabab's attacking moves and immediately launch counter-attacks provided the foundation for Al-Ahli's dominance. The former Barcelona man's goal was just reward for his all-action display, but his overall contribution extended far beyond the scoresheet.
Mahrez's influence on the match cannot be overstated. His assist for Kessié's goal demonstrated his vision and technical execution, while his own finish highlighted the predatory instincts that have made him one of the most feared wingers in the game. The Algerian's ability to perform in high-stakes matches was on full display, as he consistently created danger from the right flank.
Defensively, despite Demiral's absence, Al-Ahli's backline showed impressive organization. Darmian's experience, Ibañez's athleticism, and Majrashi's local knowledge combined to form a resilient unit that, while conceding twice, ultimately kept Al-Shabab's attack at bay when it mattered most. Mendy's presence in goal provided the vocal leadership necessary to maintain defensive shape throughout the intense encounter.
The tactical battle unfolded as a chess match between Al-Ahli's proactive pressing and Al-Shabab's attempts to build from the back. The home side's strategy of stretching play through quick diagonals and wide releases was consistently thwarted by Al-Ahli's well-drilled midfield and defensive lines. Each time Al-Shabab committed numbers forward, they left themselves vulnerable to Al-Ahli's swift counter-attacks.
This victory carries significant implications for the Saudi Pro League title race. By securing three points away against a direct rival, Al-Ahli not only climbed to second place but also gained a psychological edge that could prove crucial in the season's final months. The performance demonstrated that the team has the depth and tactical flexibility to overcome personnel challenges and still produce dominant displays.
For Al-Shabab, the defeat represents a setback in their own ambitions. Conceding five goals at home exposes defensive frailties that must be addressed if they hope to compete at the highest level. While Carrasco's free kick provided a moment of quality, the overall performance lacked the cohesion and resilience needed to contain Al-Ahli's multifaceted attack.
The match also highlighted the growing quality of the Saudi Pro League as a destination for world-class talent. The presence of players like Mahrez, Toney, Kessié, and Carrasco on the same pitch demonstrates the league's ability to attract and retain elite performers, elevating the overall standard of competition.
As Al-Ahli's players celebrated with their traveling supporters at the final whistle, the significance of the result was clear. This was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent from a team that believes it can challenge for the title. The combination of tactical sophistication, individual brilliance, and collective determination suggests that Al-Ahli will remain a formidable force throughout the remainder of the season.
The road ahead promises more challenges, but performances like this build the momentum and confidence necessary for championship runs. Al-Ahli's ability to execute their game plan so effectively, despite missing key personnel, speaks volumes about their squad depth and managerial preparation. For their rivals, the message is clear: Al-Ahli is a serious contender, and stopping them will require something extraordinary.