DOHA — Al Ahli Saudi FC secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Qatar's Al Rayyan in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 Round of 16 tie at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday, putting them in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Jeddah next week. The Saudi side took control of the match with goals from Galeno and Riyad Mahrez, before Roger Guedes pulled one back for the hosts. However, Firas Al Brikan struck deep into stoppage time to restore Al Ahli's two-goal cushion, leaving Al Rayyan with an uphill battle in the second leg. Al Rayyan started brightly, testing Edouard Mendy early on, but it was Al Ahli who showed more efficiency in front of goal. In the 30th minute, Roberto Firmino floated a pinpoint cross into the box, where Galeno rose highest to nod the ball into the top corner, breaking the deadlock. Four minutes later, a disastrous mistake from Al Rayyan's goalkeeper Paulo Victor gifted Al Ahli a second goal. Victor handled a back pass inside his own area, leading to an indirect free kick, which Mahrez thumped into the top corner, doubling the Saudi side's advantage. Al Ahli nearly extended their lead in the second half, with Firmino forcing Victor into two sharp saves, but it was Al Rayyan who found a lifeline. Guedes capitalized on a moment of defensive uncertainty, firing home to reduce the deficit and reignite his side's hopes. Despite Al Rayyan pressing for an equalizer, their night went from bad to worse in stoppage time. Al Ahli caught them on the break, with Galeno setting up Al Brikan, who clinically slotted home to restore their two-goal lead in the 95th minute. Moments later, Adam Bareiro was sent off for a reckless challenge on Fahad Al Rashidi, capping off a frustrating night for the Qatari side. With the return leg set for Jeddah, Al Ahli hold a commanding advantage as they edge closer to the AFC Champions League quarter-finals, while Al Rayyan face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.
