Riyad Mahrez scored two second-half goals as Al-Ahli Saudi FC defeated Al-Rayyan SC 2-0 in the second leg of their AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, securing a comfortable 5-1 aggregate victory. The win books Al-Ahli’s place in the quarter-finals.
The Saudi side dominated much of the match but were initially frustrated by a resilient Al-Rayyan defense and the goalkeeping of Paulo Victor. Galeno and Mahrez tested Victor early on. Al-Ahli were also fortunate when Merih Demiral cleared a goal-bound header from his own teammate, Roger Ibañez, off the line in 20th minute.
Roberto Firmino had a golden opportunity to open the scoring after a slip by Victor, but the goalkeeper recovered to make the save. Ivan Toney also came close with a powerful strike, but Victor was again equal to the task.
Al-Rayyan, after a subdued first half, showed more attacking intent in the second period. Roger Guedes made dangerous runs and tested Al-Ahli goalkeeper Abdurahman Al Sanbi with a long-range effort. Al Sanbi then produced a superb save to deny Romarinho’s powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 58th minute.
The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute, courtesy of Mahrez’s individual brilliance. He controlled a lofted pass from Galeno with exquisite skill, turned, and delicately lifted the ball over the advancing Victor.
Mahrez completed his brace, and sealed the tie, in the 83rd minute, putting the final score at 2-0. The Algerian winger’s two goals underlined his importance to Al-Ahli and their ambitions in the AFC Champions League Elite.
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