Riyad Mahrez marked his return to action with a trademark assist as Al Ahli kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Austrian Bundesliga side WSG Tirol.
Playing in Austria as part of their traditional summer preparations, the Saudi Pro League club fielded a strong side for their opening friendly, with Mahrez included in the starting eleven despite only recently concluding his holiday break.
The Algerian winger wasted little time in making an impact, delivering a pinpoint cross in the 35th minute that led to the opening goal.
Mahrez, known for his deft touch and precision, found space on the left and curled in a left-footed delivery to the far post, where Brazilian defender Roger Ibañez was perfectly positioned to slot the ball home. The goal gave Al Ahli the lead in what had been an evenly contested first half up to that point.
Ibañez’s goal came as a result of sustained pressure from Al Ahli, who looked determined to assert themselves early in the match. Mahrez, often dropping deep to collect the ball, orchestrated several attacking moves and linked up well with his midfield and forward teammates.
His contribution was particularly significant considering the brief time he has had to reintegrate with the squad since the off-season.
The Saudi side continued to control possession into the second half but made several changes after the break, including substituting Mahrez in the 63rd minute.
His exit marked the end of a sharp and confident performance that bodes well for the upcoming season.
Tirol managed to respond with a goal of their own shortly after Mahrez was taken off, levelling the score and briefly shifting the momentum.
However, Al Ahli regained composure late in the match and secured victory with a second goal, ensuring a positive start to their pre-season schedule.
Although only a friendly, the match provided valuable insight into Al Ahli’s early form under their current preparations. Mahrez’s involvement will be especially encouraging for supporters, with the Algerian international demonstrating the type of influence and creativity he was brought in to provide.
The former Manchester City star joined Al Ahli in 2023 as part of a high-profile move that saw several European-based players transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
Since then, he has become a key figure for the Jeddah-based club, and performances like this suggest he remains eager to make a strong impact heading into the new campaign.
Al Ahli will continue their pre-season tour in Austria, with their next fixture scheduled for July 23 against Serie A side Como, now managed by former Spanish international Cesc Fàbregas.
That match is expected to provide a sterner test for the Saudi outfit as they build match fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of competitive league action.
For now, Mahrez’s sharp return and Ibañez’s well-taken goal offer an encouraging glimpse of what could lie ahead for Al Ahli, who will be aiming to challenge on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
هدف الاهلي الاول كامل#الاهلي_تيرول pic.twitter.com/0K4CCRZhOL
— ميديا شبكة الأهلي (@MDAFC4N) July 18, 2025
