Al Rayyan suffered their third consecutive defeat in the AFC Champions League Elite, losing 2-1 to Al Ahli Saudi FC. The match saw Al Rayyan remaining at the bottom of the standings, while Al Ahli Saudi FC climbed up to the top alongside Al Hilal with nine points. Gabri Veiga and Feras Al Brikan scored for Al Ahli, while an own goal from Fahad Al Hamad was the only consolation for Al Rayyan.
The game started with Al Rayyan missing an early chance to take the lead, followed by Al Ahli’s high-pressing approach that resulted in Gabri Veiga opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Al Brikan added a second goal in the 38th minute, giving Al Ahli a healthy lead going into halftime. Despite Al Rayyan’s efforts to bounce back in the second half, they only managed to pull one goal back through Fahad Al Hamad in the 65th minute.
The second half saw both teams creating chances, with Al Rayyan’s Roger Guedes going close in the 47th minute and Al Ahli wasting a great opportunity in the 63rd minute. Al Rayyan’s Murad Naji Hussein provided a dangerous cross that led to their only goal, while Al Ahli goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi made crucial saves to secure the victory for his team.
Looking ahead, Al Rayyan will face Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor FC on November 5, while Al Ahli Saudi FC will take on Al Shorta of Iraq. The defeat for Al Rayyan marks their third straight loss in the AFC Champions League Elite, highlighting the need for improvements in their upcoming matches. On the other hand, Al Ahli Saudi FC’s impressive performance has seen them climb to the top of the West Zone standings, showcasing their strength and potential in the competition.
Overall, the match between Al Rayyan and Al Ahli Saudi FC was a highly competitive one, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field. Al Ahli’s efficient attacking play and solid defense proved to be the difference in the end, as they secured their third consecutive victory in the competition. Al Rayyan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and analyze their performance in order to bounce back in their upcoming matches and improve their position in the standings.
