DOHA — Al Ahli Saudi FC continued their perfect start to the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 campaign, securing their third consecutive win by defeating Al Rayyan 2-1 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday. Goals from Gabri Veiga and Feras Al Brikan gave Al Ahli a solid lead heading into halftime, while an own goal from Fahad Al Hamad provided a mere consolation for Qatar's Al Rayyan. Al Rayyan had an early opportunity to take the lead when Trezeguet made a powerful run into the left side of the area and set up Hazem Shehata, whose shot was turned away for a corner by Al Ahli's goalkeeper, Ibanez. In the 12th minute, Al Ahli came close to breaking the deadlock when Al Brikan surged into the box and set up Ivan Toney at the far post, but Al Rayyan keeper Paulo Victor was quick to intervene. The visitors' high-pressing approach paid off in the 16th minute when Gabri Veiga opened the scoring with a curling shot directly from a corner kick that found the back of the net. Al Brikan and Ibanez continued to pressure Al Rayyan, with both players having their shots denied by Victor as the Qatari side struggled to contain Al Ahli's advances. Al Ahli doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Riyad Mahrez delivered a pinpoint cross that Al Brikan converted with a glancing header. Al Rayyan started the second half more brightly, with Roger Guedes coming close in the 47th minute, but his shot went wide after a strong run through the center. Al Ahli missed a great chance to extend their lead in the 63rd minute when Franck Kessie lobbed the ball to an unmarked Toney, who saw both of his close-range efforts saved by Victor. Al Rayyan pulled one back in the 65th minute when a dangerous cross from Murad Naji Hussein was inadvertently turned into the net by Fahad Al Hamad. Al Ahli's goalkeeper, Abdulrahman Al Sanbi, had to be at his best to deny Guedes' headed attempt in the 84th minute, as Al Ahli held on to secure the win. Looking ahead, Al Rayyan will face Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor FC on November 5, while Al Ahli Saudi will play against Al Shorta of Iraq.
