Riyad Mahrez inspires Al Ahli to dramatic comeback victory in Asian Champions League

Riyad Mahrez produced a match-winning performance on his Asian Champions League debut, inspiring Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia to a 4-2 victory over Uzbekistan’s Nasaf after trailing by two goals.

The clash, held at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, saw the Saudi side stunned early on as Nasaf raced into a 2-0 lead.

The visitors capitalised on defensive lapses and looked in control for much of the opening period.

But Al Ahli regrouped, showing resilience and determination to mount an impressive comeback, with Mahrez at the centre of the turnaround.

Algerian international Mahrez, who joined Al Ahli to spearhead their attacking ambitions, demonstrated his trademark composure and flair when it mattered most.

His influence grew as the game progressed, linking up effectively with teammates and unsettling the Uzbek defence.

Al Ahli reduced the deficit before half-time, striking back to keep the contest alive. The equaliser followed in the second half, setting the stage for a tense finale as both sides pushed for the decisive goal.

While Nasaf attempted to restore their advantage, Al Ahli’s momentum was evident, and Mahrez’s quality increasingly shone through.

The defining moment came in the 90th minute when Mahrez collected the ball on the edge of the area.

With characteristic precision, he evaded a defender before driving a low strike beyond the goalkeeper, completing the turnaround and sending the home fans into celebration.

Moments later, Mahrez played a role again as Al Ahli added a fourth goal to seal the contest and underline their dominance in the closing stages.

The final scoreline of 4-2 reflected both the drama of the evening and the influence of the Algerian star, whose late strike effectively killed off Nasaf’s hopes.

For Al Ahli, the victory marked a strong opening in their continental campaign, while for Mahrez, it was the perfect introduction to Asian Champions League football.

His decisive contribution reinforced his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure, bringing the same class and leadership he showed during his years in Europe.

For Al Ahli, Mahrez’s debut performance is a promising sign as they look to compete among the strongest clubs in Asia.

The win not only demonstrated Al Ahli’s attacking depth but also highlighted their ability to recover from setbacks.

Trailing by two goals could have derailed their campaign’s start, yet their comeback showed resilience and belief, qualities essential for navigating the challenges of the tournament.

With Mahrez at the heart of their attack, Al Ahli now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures with renewed confidence.

For the Algerian, his debut could not have been more decisive, ensuring his arrival in Asian football will be remembered as the spark for one of the most dramatic comebacks of the round.