Mahrez Reveals Disappointing First Season at Al Ahli Inspired His Asian Champions League Triumph

Riyad Mahrez, the Al Ahli winger, expressed his determination to guide his Saudi Pro League team to the Asian Champions League Elite title, driven by the disappointment of a goalless first season at the Jeddah club. On Saturday, the Algerian added yet another trophy to his impressive collection.

While Mahrez had a relatively subdued performance in Al Ahli’s 2-0 victory over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale to clinch the continental title at King Abdullah Sports City, he had been a crucial figure throughout the campaign.

With nine goals and eight assists across 13 matches in the competition, the five-time Premier League champion with both Leicester City and Manchester City proved instrumental in securing Al Ahli’s triumph.

This victory means that Mahrez, alongside teammate Roberto Firmino, has now added the Asian Champions League Elite to the UEFA Champions League titles they previously won with City and Liverpool respectively, marking an impressive and rare continental double.

“It’s quite unique,” Mahrez stated when asked how the Asian title contrasts with his other achievements.

“Winning the title with Leicester, the 2019 African Cup of Nations with Algeria, and titles with City, they all evoke different feelings and emotions. I can’t say I prefer one over the others.

“I believe this triumph holds as much significance as all my other titles. It’s a different competition and a different continent—this is a new experience.

“Last year, when I arrived here and we didn’t win anything, I was incredibly disappointed. This year, I was determined to make a mark and claim a title with this club, alongside these players, the board, the manager, and everyone involved.

“We are absolutely thrilled and must savour this moment.”

Celebrations

Al Ahli’s victory ignited exuberant celebrations throughout Jeddah, as the club finally enjoyed continental success after previously falling short in 1986 and 2012, often overshadowed by rivals Al Ittihad and Riyadh’s Al Hilal.

Under Matthias Jaissle, the team completed their title-winning journey as the only unbeaten squad in the tournament, winning 12 and drawing one out of 13 matches.

Al Ahli demonstrated formidable form, but it was their impressive 3-2 semi-final victory over four-time champions Al Hilal that instilled confidence in Mahrez and his teammates that the trophy was within reach.

“Throughout the competition, we played exceptionally well,” he remarked. “We didn’t lose a single match and competed well against many formidable teams, both at home and away. We consistently performed to a high standard.

“The group stage was challenging, but we managed it effectively, and after the semi-final, we proved to everyone that we are the top team.

“Even against Al Hilal, who are a very strong side, we demonstrated that we could overcome anyone, and I truly believe we deserve this victory.

“I’m always the first to congratulate a team that deserves recognition, and today, it is our moment.”