Al Ahli Saudi FC continued their unbeaten streak in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 season with a convincing 5-1 victory over Al Shorta from Iraq. Playing at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, the home team dominated from the start and secured their fourth win in a row. The impressive performance solidifies their spot at the top of the table and places them as strong contenders for the championship title.
Al-Ahli FC Dominates in AFC Champions League Elite, Continues Unbeaten Streak
Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Ahli Saudi FC extended their impressive undefeated streak in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 season with a resounding 5-1 victory over Al Shorta from Iraq. This triumph marks their fourth consecutive win in the competition.
Playing before their home crowd at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Al-Ahli asserted their dominance from the opening whistle. The Saudi Pro League champions controlled possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Their efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute through a clinical strike from star forward Omar Al-Somah.
Al-Ahli continued to press forward relentlessly, overwhelming Al Shorta's defense. They doubled their lead in the 32nd minute courtesy of a superb free-kick from Brazilian midfielder Matheus Pereira. By halftime, the scoreline stood at 2-0 in favor of the home team.
In the second half, Al-Ahli maintained their attacking intensity. Al-Somah netted his second goal of the match in the 65th minute, cementing his status as the tournament's leading scorer. Substitute Sami Al-Naji then added to the tally in the 75th minute, making it 4-0.
Al Shorta managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute through a lone strike from substitute Saad Abdul-Amir. However, Al-Ahli had the final say when they completed the rout with a 90th-minute goal from Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
This comprehensive victory solidifies Al-Ahli's position at the summit of the AFC Champions League Elite table. With four wins from four games, they are well-positioned to secure a place in the knockout stages.
Background:
As one of the most decorated clubs in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahli has a rich history in Asian football. They have won the AFC Champions League twice in the past, in 1988 and 2021. The club is renowned for its attacking prowess and ability to produce talented players.
The AFC Champions League Elite is the top tier of Asian club football, featuring the best teams from across the continent. The tournament is played in a group stage format, followed by knockout rounds. The winner of the competition earns the right to represent Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup.
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