JEDDAH — Riyad Mahrez delivered a dazzling performance, scoring twice to power Al Ahli Saudi FC to a 2-0 victory over Al Rayyan SC on Tuesday, securing their place in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 quarter-finals with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win. The Saudi side dominated proceedings for large stretches but had to withstand an improved second-half showing from Al Rayyan before Mahrez's brilliance sealed the result. Backed by a passionate home crowd, Al Ahli started on the front foot, with Galeno and Mahrez testing Paulo Victor in the opening exchanges. The visitors nearly gifted Al Ahli an opener in the 20th minute, when Merih Demiral mistakenly cleared a goal-bound header from his defensive partner Roger Ibañez off the line. Eight minutes later, Victor's slip handed Roberto Firmino a golden opportunity, but the veteran goalkeeper recovered in time to deny his Brazilian compatriot. Ivan Toney then came close with a powerful strike, but Victor punched it away, ensuring Al Rayyan stayed level at halftime despite Al Ahli's control. The Qatari side emerged with more attacking intent after the break, with Roger Guedes making dangerous runs and unleashing a long-range strike that was comfortably collected by Abdurahman Al Sanbi. The Al Ahli keeper was called into action again in the 58th minute, producing a superb save to deny Romarinho's powerful effort from the edge of the box. With the match still goalless heading into the final quarter, Mahrez stepped up with a moment of magic in the 77th minute. Controlling a lofted pass from Galeno with sublime skill, the Algerian maestro turned and deftly lifted the ball over the advancing Victor in one fluid motion. He put the game beyond doubt in the 83rd minute, securing a comfortable win and Al Ahli's place in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.
