Riyad Mahrez Drives Al-Ahli to Asian Title Glory with Influential Performance.

Riyad Mahrez led Al-Ahli to their first Asian Champions League Elite title, scoring nine goals and completing eight assists in 13 matches. The Algerian winger was driven by a disappointing first season at the club and added the Asian title to his UEFA Champions League crowns with Manchester City and Liverpool. Mahrez said the title has a different taste and emotion compared to his other successes, and considers it as good as all the titles he has won.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Al-Ahli has secured its first AFC Champions League Elite title, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. The victory, achieved with a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale, was a testament to the team's resilience and the impact of their star players, including Riyad Mahrez, Édouard Mendy, and Roberto Firmino.

Mahrez, who joined Al-Ahli in 2023, has been a driving force for the club. He led the team with nine goals and eight assists in 13 matches, showcasing his versatility and leadership. Mahrez's performance was particularly notable as he was driven by the desire to win after a disappointing first season at the club [2].

"This is a trophy in another continent, in Asia," Mahrez said, reflecting on the unique taste and emotion of winning the AFC Champions League Elite title. "I’ve been lucky enough to play in teams that have won a lot of trophies with big players. When you play, any trophy, any cup you play for is always exciting. I’m really looking forward to it. I really want to win a trophy with this team, this club and I’ll give everything tomorrow" [2].

The victory is a significant achievement for Al-Ahli, which has been on an upward trajectory since joining the Saudi Pro League in 2023. The club, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has invested heavily in its squad, signing top players like Firmino, Mendy, and Mahrez. This investment has paid off, as the team has now secured its first continental title.

The victory also marks a personal milestone for Mahrez, who has already won multiple titles with Manchester City and Leicester City. His ability to adapt and succeed in different competitions and continents is a testament to his versatility and talent.

The AFC Champions League Elite final was played in front of Al-Ahli's home crowd at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, which added to the team's motivation and enthusiasm. The club's supporters created a deafening atmosphere, supporting their team to the end.

The victory is a significant achievement for the club and its players, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the club's financial performance and market value. The success of Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League Elite will likely attract more investment and interest from potential sponsors and partners.

References:
[1] https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44990878/roberto-firmino-edouard-mendy-riyad-mahrez-bask-glory-historic-uefa-afc-champions-league-double
[2] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2599300/sport