Al Ahli has successfully reclaimed the summit of the Saudi Pro League following a hard-fought victory over Al Riyadh in the capital city. The Jeddah-based club's triumph came courtesy of a decisive own goal, allowing them to overtake Al Nassr, who had temporarily seized the top position just 24 hours earlier following Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive brace against Al Najmah.
The match, which took place in Riyadh, saw Matthias Jaissle's squad enter the contest riding an impressive four-match winning streak. Their confidence was evident from the opening whistle, though they would face a resilient opponent determined to protect their home turf. The breakthrough ultimately arrived in the 75th minute through an unfortunate error that proved to be the difference-maker.
The decisive moment came when Al Ahli's corner kick swung into the penalty area, catching goalkeeper Milan Borjan in a moment of misjudgment. The Canadian international, who had been outstanding throughout the encounter, attempted to punch the ball clear but instead sent it into his own net. Despite immediate protests from Borjan and his teammates, who claimed interference from midfielder Franck Kessie, the referee allowed the goal to stand after consulting with his officials. The decision highlighted the fine margins that often decide tightly contested matches at the highest level.
Borjan's performance prior to the mishap had been nothing short of exceptional. The veteran shot-stopper repeatedly frustrated Al Ahli's attacking efforts, showcasing the reflexes and positioning that have made him a reliable presence between the posts. His finest save of the afternoon arguably came against Ivan Toney, who unleashed a powerful volley that seemed destined for the back of the net. Borjan's acrobatic denial kept the match level and demonstrated why he has been a consistent performer in the Saudi top flight since his arrival.
Toney, who leads the league's scoring charts with 23 goals this season, was visibly frustrated by his inability to add to his tally. The England international has been in scintillating form since joining Al Ahli, establishing himself as the division's most prolific marksman. His movement and link-up play created numerous opportunities, though the final touch eluded him on this occasion. The striker's hunger for goals remains insatiable, and his positioning for the disallowed effort in the 85th minute highlighted his predatory instincts.
That late strike, which saw Toney apply a composed finish to a precise pass from Roger Ibanez, was ultimately ruled out following a VAR review. The decision, while correct according to the offside protocol, denied the forward what would have been a deserved insurance goal for his side. Nevertheless, his overall contribution to the team's attacking fluidity cannot be understated, as his presence alone forces opposition defenses to adopt a more cautious approach.
Al Riyadh's own attacking threat was personified by Portuguese striker Tozé, who tested Edouard Mendy with a speculative effort from distance. The Senegalese goalkeeper, himself no stranger to high-pressure situations having played for Chelsea in the Premier League, was alert to the danger as the ball whistled past his post and into the side netting. The home side's resilience made them difficult to break down, and they can consider themselves unfortunate to have fallen to such a cruel twist of fate.
The victory assumes greater significance when viewed within the broader context of the title race. Al Nassr's comprehensive 5-0 demolition of bottom-dwelling Al Najmah on Wednesday had temporarily propelled them to the league's summit. Ronaldo's double in that contest elevated his personal tally to 22 goals for the campaign, placing him level with Al Qadsiah's Julián Quiñones and just one behind Toney in the golden boot standings.
The Portuguese superstar's consistency in front of goal has been a defining feature of the season, though he now finds himself chasing the Al Ahli forward in the individual scoring charts. The rivalry between the two prolific strikers adds an intriguing subplot to the championship battle, with each goal potentially carrying significant weight in the final analysis. This personal duel has captured the imagination of fans across the kingdom and beyond.
Another notable name on the scoresheet during Al Nassr's midweek rout was defender Iñigo Martínez. The summer acquisition from Barcelona opened his account for the club, capping off a man-of-the-match performance with a rare goal. In his post-match comments, the Spanish center-back emphasized the collective nature of the team's success and his primary defensive responsibilities.
"I'm happy, especially for the victory," Martínez stated. "It's very important to keep winning, to keep being leaders in the league. And obviously it's always a pleasure to score, to help. But the most important thing for me is to defend. Today, I also scored a goal, and I think that's more than enough for me."
Martínez's focus on defensive solidity reflects Al Nassr's recent improvement at the back. The clean sheet against Al Najmah marked their sixth consecutive shutout in Saudi Pro League competition, a remarkable run of form that has provided the foundation for their title challenge. The defender elaborated on this point, highlighting its importance to the team's ambitions.
"It's vital," he explained. "We know that, if we keep a clean sheet, we generate a lot of chances, and we always score one or two goals. This is the path we have to follow. We have to continue with this ambition, with this enthusiasm, and we hope to give more joy to the fans."
The contrast between Al Ahli's narrow victory and Al Nassr's dominant performance underscores the unpredictable nature of football. While the Riyadh giants swept aside the league's basement club with ease, their Jeddah rivals were forced to dig deep and rely on a moment of fortune to secure three precious points. Such fine margins often determine the destiny of championships, and both teams will be acutely aware that consistency across the remaining fixtures will be paramount.
Looking ahead, the fixture list presents further challenges for the leading contenders. Third-placed Al Hilal, perennial title favorites with their star-studded squad, travel to Jeddah on Friday to face Al Shabab in what promises to be a stern examination of their credentials. Meanwhile, Al Qadsiah, currently occupying fourth position, will host fifth-placed Al Taawoun in a match that could have significant implications for the European qualification spots.
The congested nature of the top half of the table means that any slip-up could prove costly. Al Ahli's ability to grind out results in difficult circumstances will serve them well as the season enters its decisive phase. Their capacity to create chances, even when faced with inspired goalkeeping, suggests that their attacking unit possesses the quality to overcome stubborn defenses.
For Al Nassr, the challenge lies in maintaining their defensive excellence while continuing to provide ammunition for Ronaldo and his attacking partners. The Portuguese forward's hunger for goals is legendary, and he will be determined to overtake Toney in the scoring charts while simultaneously driving his team toward the championship. The supporting cast, including the likes of Sadio Mané and Marcelo Brozović, must continue to contribute effectively.
The role of VAR continues to generate discussion among pundits and supporters alike, with Toney's disallowed goal serving as the latest example of technology's influence on outcomes. While the system aims to ensure fairness and accuracy, its interventions can sometimes feel harsh, particularly when marginal offside calls deny spectacular finishes. Nevertheless, its implementation is now an accepted part of the modern game, and teams must adapt their strategies accordingly.
As the Saudi Pro League season progresses, the narrative is increasingly focused on the battle between two of world football's most recognizable strikers. Toney's adaptation to Middle Eastern football has been seamless, exceeding many expectations, while Ronaldo's enduring quality continues to defy age and conventional wisdom. Their personal duel for the golden boot mirrors the wider struggle for supremacy between their respective clubs.
The coming weeks will test the depth and resilience of all title challengers. With Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah still within striking distance, the championship race remains wide open. Al Ahli's narrow escape in Riyadh has kept their destiny in their own hands, but they can ill afford any complacency as the pressure intensifies and every point becomes precious.
In conclusion, the Saudi Pro League continues to deliver compelling drama and high-stakes encounters that attract global attention. Al Ahli's fortuitous victory has restored their position at the summit, but the chasing pack, led by Ronaldo's Al Nassr, will not relent in their pursuit. The combination of world-class talent, tactical intrigue, and the occasional moment of misfortune ensures that fans are treated to a captivating spectacle week after week. The battle for supremacy in Saudi football has never been more fascinating.