Al Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez expressed his determination to spearhead his Saudi Pro League team towards capturing the Asian Champions League Elite title, motivated by a disappointing first season at the Jeddah club. On Saturday, the Algerian international added yet another trophy to his illustrious collection.
Despite having a relatively subdued match by his standards, Mahrez played a pivotal role as Al Ahli secured a 2-0 victory over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, claiming the continental title for the first time at King Abdullah Sports City. The 34-year-old had been instrumental throughout the tournament, showcasing his skills in the lead-up to this triumphant moment.
With an impressive tally of nine goals and eight assists across 13 appearances in the competition, the five-time Premier League champion with Leicester City and Manchester City was crucial to Al Ahli’s success.
This victory means that Mahrez, alongside teammate Roberto Firmino, has added the Asian Champions League Elite to the UEFA Champions League titles they won with City and Liverpool respectively, marking a rare continental club double.
“It’s a different experience,” Mahrez remarked when asked to compare this Asian title with his previous achievements.
“There was the title with Leicester, the 2019 African Cup of Nations with Algeria, and with City. Each of them has its own unique flavour, its own emotions. I can’t say I favour one over the others.
“I think this title is on par with all my other trophies. It’s a different competition, a different continent, and this is something new.”
“Last year, when I arrived and we didn’t win anything, I felt really disappointed. This year, I was determined to make a difference and achieve something significant with this club, alongside these players, the board, the coach, and everyone behind him.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled, and it’s important that we take the time to enjoy this moment.”
Celebrations
Al Ahli’s victory ignited jubilant celebrations throughout Jeddah, as a club that has often played second fiddle to rivals Al Ittihad and Riyadh’s Al Hilal finally savoured continental triumph after finishing as runners-up in 1986 and 2012.
The team, managed by Matthias Jaissle, concluded their title-winning journey as the only unbeaten side in the competition, achieving 12 wins and just one draw from their 13 matches.
Displaying formidable form throughout the tournament, it was their 3-2 semi-final victory over four-time champions Al Hilal on Tuesday that instilled belief in Mahrez and his teammates that the trophy was within reach.
“We played exceptionally well throughout the competition,” he noted. “We didn’t lose a single match and faced many strong teams, whether at home or away. We consistently performed at a high level.”
“The group stage was challenging, but we navigated it successfully, and after the semi-final, we demonstrated to everyone that we are the best team.”
“Even against Al Hilal, who are a formidable team, we proved that we can overcome anyone, and I genuinely believe we deserved this victory.”
“I’m always the first to extend my congratulations when a team deserves recognition, and today, it’s our moment.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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