ALAIN — Al Ain's chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 took a significant hit on Monday as reigning champions suffered a 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. England international Ivan Toney came off the bench to score twice in four minutes, maintaining Al Ahli's perfect record in the competition. The win sees Matthias Jaissle's side top the group with 15 points from five games, all but guaranteeing their place in the Round of 16. For Al Ain, the defeat under new manager Leonardo Jardim leaves them at the bottom of the standings in west Asia, two points shy of the qualification zone with three matches remaining. The opening half saw Al Ain create numerous opportunities. Soufiane Rahimi tested Al Ahli's Edouard Mendy in the 19th minute after a clever pass from Yahia Nader, only for Matias Palacios to fire the rebound over the bar. Mendy, pivotal throughout the game, denied Kodjo Laba moments later and was again called into action to keep Rahimi's effort from finding the back of the net. Al Ahli's Roberto Firmino had a rare chance late in the half but dragged his shot wide. The second half started with more action, as Al Ain's Khalid Eisa parried a powerful strike from Franck Kessie and Mendy saved a sharp effort from Palacios. Despite Al Ain's persistent attacks, it was Al Ahli who broke the deadlock. Substitute Ivan Toney headed Riyad Mahrez's pinpoint free kick past Eisa in the 70th minute. Four minutes later, Toney struck again, sliding in to convert Mahrez's cross with a deft finish, doubling Al Ahli's lead. As time dwindled, Al Ain grew increasingly desperate. Alejandro Romero provided a glimmer of hope in the third minute of injury time, volleying into the roof of Mendy's net. However, Al Ahli held firm to secure the win, increasing the pressure on the struggling title holders. With this victory, Al Ahli solidifies its position at the top of the standings, while Al Ain faces an uphill battle to qualify for the next round. The reigning champions will need a dramatic turnaround in their remaining games to keep their campaign alive.
