Post by : Raman

In a thrilling match in Jeddah on Monday, defending champions Al-Ahli overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a 4-2 victory over Uzbekistan’s Nasaf in the Asian Champions League Elite. The win highlighted Al-Ahli’s fighting spirit and was capped by dramatic stoppage-time goals from Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Sulaiman.

Al-Ahli’s comeback kept fans on the edge of their seats as the Saudi side demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination. Despite being two goals down at halftime, the team’s second-half performance underlined their championship mentality.

Nasaf Start Strong

The match began with Nasaf asserting control. Husain Norchaev scored two excellent goals, giving the Uzbek side a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime. Norchaev’s first-half strikes showcased his sharp finishing and ability to exploit defensive lapses.

At halftime, it seemed Nasaf might take the upper hand, but Al-Ahli showed no signs of surrender. Manager Matthias Jaissle’s halftime talk inspired a shift in tactics and mentality for the second half.

Enzo Millot Sparks the Comeback

Al-Ahli’s revival began with French midfielder Enzo Millot, a recent signing from Stuttgart. Millot scored twice in quick succession in the second half, leveling the score in just three minutes.

His first goal came after a rare mistake by Nasaf’s goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, allowing Millot to slot the ball into an empty net from distance. Moments later, Millot capitalized on hesitant defending to score again, putting Al-Ahli back on level terms and reigniting the home crowd’s hopes.

Millot later described the match as a moment where “everybody had to give 100 per cent in the second half” and praised the team’s attacking play and determination.

Stoppage-Time Drama

The match reached its climax in stoppage time. Riyad Mahrez scored the third goal four minutes into added time, completing a remarkable comeback. Mohammed Sulaiman added a fourth goal 11 minutes later from close range, sealing Al-Ahli’s 4-2 victory.

Nasaf had been reduced to 10 men following Alibek Davronov’s late sending-off, but the timing of the goals highlighted Al-Ahli’s stamina, focus, and tactical discipline.

Impact on the League Phase

The win earned Al-Ahli three crucial points in the opening round of the western league phase. In this phase, 12 teams play eight matches, with the top eight advancing to the knockout rounds scheduled for March.

Al-Ahli’s victory sets them up as strong contenders to defend their title, showing they can overcome pressure situations and produce results even when trailing.

Saudi Pro League Champions Al-Ittihad Fall

In contrast, Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to UAE side Al-Wahda. Steven Berwijn had given Al-Ittihad the lead in the 21st minute with a powerful, swerving strike. However, the sending-off of Muhannad Al-Shanqiti for a reckless challenge changed the course of the match.

Caio Canedo equalized in the 62nd minute, and Lucas Pimenta scored the winner for Al-Wahda deep into added time after Pedrag Rajkovic blocked a header from Ala Zouhir. This defeat was a setback for Al-Ittihad, emphasizing the fine margins and unpredictability of the Champions League.

UAE Teams Shine in Stoppage-Time Wins

UAE’s Sharjah also made headlines by securing a 4-3 win over 10-man Al-Gharafa. The match was full of drama with first-half goals from Yacine Brahimi and Joselu giving Al-Gharafa control. Rey Manaj and Ousmane Camara brought Sharjah back into the game, and Joselu briefly restored Al-Gharafa’s lead.

The turning point came when Al-Gharafa’s goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar received a red card in the 86th minute. This allowed Sharjah to score twice in stoppage time, with Manaj converting a free kick and Igor Coronado sliding in the winner in the 100th minute. The victory demonstrated Sharjah’s resilience and ability to capitalize on crucial moments.

Al-Sadd Draw with Al-Shorta

Qatar’s Al-Sadd fought back from a deficit to draw 1-1 with Iraq’s Al-Shorta in Baghdad. Dominique Mendy gave the hosts an early lead with a 28th-minute deflected goal. Hassan Al-Haydos scored for Al-Sadd in the 62nd minute, ensuring the Qatari side earned a point on the road.

The draw highlighted the competitive balance in the league, with teams from different countries showing that no match is straightforward in the Asian Champions League.

Players to Watch

Enzo Millot’s performance was one of the standout displays of the round. His quick double not only rescued Al-Ahli but also showed his adaptability and goal-scoring ability from midfield.

Riyad Mahrez continues to be a crucial figure, demonstrating his experience and composure in critical moments. Mohammed Sulaiman’s late finish also highlighted the importance of forwards being alert until the final whistle.

In contrast, Nasaf will need to regroup after failing to maintain their first-half lead, while Al-Ittihad will aim to bounce back quickly from their late defeat.

Importance of Discipline

The matches also showed the importance of discipline. Red cards and mistakes proved costly for both Nasaf and Al-Gharafa, swinging games dramatically in favor of their opponents. Teams must balance aggression with careful decision-making to succeed at this level.

Tactical Insights

Al-Ahli’s tactical shift at halftime was pivotal. The team pressed higher, increased attacking pressure, and exploited Nasaf’s defensive errors. Matthias Jaissle’s strategy demonstrated the value of adaptive tactics in modern football, where the game can change within minutes.

Similarly, Sharjah’s ability to utilize set-pieces and exploit a red-card situation underlines the importance of preparation and mental toughness.

Looking Ahead

With the western league phase underway, teams will be aiming to secure as many points as possible to advance to the knockout rounds. Al-Ahli’s dramatic victory will give them confidence, while Al-Ittihad and other contenders will need to respond quickly to maintain their ambitions.

Fans can expect more thrilling matches, late goals, and tactical battles as the competition heats up. The performances also showcase the rising quality and competitiveness of football in the Asian region.

Monday’s matches in the Asian Champions League Elite were a perfect example of football drama, resilience, and tactical brilliance. Al-Ahli’s 4-2 comeback against Nasaf delighted fans and set a high standard for the rest of the competition.

Other matches, including Al-Ittihad’s late loss and Sharjah’s stoppage-time win, emphasized that no lead is safe and every moment matters. The league phase promises exciting football, with fans eagerly following every game for goals, surprises, and memorable moments.

Asian club football continues to grow in intensity, skill, and fan interest, and Monday’s round was a clear showcase of that progress. Teams like Al-Ahli, Sharjah, and Al-Sadd are proving that matches are won not just through talent, but through determination, strategy, and never giving up.

Al-Ahli comeback win, Asian Champions League, Riyad Mahrez, Enzo Millot, Mohammed Sulaiman