Riyad Mahrez inspires Al-Ahli comeback with two assists against Al-Hilal

Riyad Mahrez played a decisive role as Al-Ahli staged a dramatic second-half comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

The contest, one of the most anticipated fixtures of Matchday 3, appeared to be over by half-time.

Al-Hilal dominated the opening period, striking three times through Théo Hernandez in the 12th minute and a double from Brazilian forward Malcom, who found the net in the 24th and 41st minutes.

At the interval, Al-Ahli trailed 3-0 and looked out of the contest.

The turnaround began late in the second half when Ivan Toney pulled one back in the 78th minute.

From that point, Mahrez took control, dictating play from the right wing and driving his side forward.

His influence was clear throughout the match: he registered 77 touches, delivered eight key passes and seven accurate crosses, repeatedly unsettling Al-Hilal’s defence.

The Algerian international’s persistence bore fruit in the closing moments.

In the 87th minute, he provided a precise cross that allowed Toney to head home his second of the night.

Then, deep into stoppage time, Mahrez delivered a perfect corner, met by Merih Demiral, who sealed the equaliser in the 90+3rd minute.

⚽️ BUUUTTT ! Doublé d’Ivan Toney 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

LE MATCH DE FOUUUUU ! LES MINUTES DE FOU QUI NOUS ATTENDENT !!!!

87’ | Al Ahli 2 – 3 Al Hilal pic.twitter.com/EzdkZMWf17

— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) September 19, 2025

His performance earned a rating of 7.9, the highest among his teammates, underscoring his status as the architect of Al-Ahli’s revival.

Beyond the statistics, it was Mahrez’s composure and vision that lifted his side from despair to parity in one of the season’s most dramatic encounters so far.

For Al-Ahli, the result demonstrated both resilience and reliance on their star playmaker.

Mahrez, once again, showed that he remains more than just a winger.

Ohh la deuxième passe décisive de Mahrez qui permet à Al Ahli de revenir dans ce match pic.twitter.com/6RfO8QUvjw

— ABADA Abdelkader (FENNEC INFO)🇩🇿🇩🇿 (@ABADAAbdel83801) September 19, 2025

His ability to orchestrate attacks, unlock defences and deliver in high-pressure situations reinforced his importance as the team’s creative leader.

The draw keeps Al-Ahli firmly in the race at this early stage of the Saudi Pro League, while also sending a message about their capacity to compete against one of the league’s strongest sides.

For Mahrez, it was another reminder of his enduring quality, proving that even in the later stages of his career, he retains the class and influence to decide matches at the highest level.