Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, winger of Al Ahli Jeddah, underlined that his team’s Saudi Pro League title hopes depend not only on their own results but also on traditional rivals Al Hilal dropping points in the coming weeks.
His remarks came after Al Ahli’s 4-1 home win over Al Khaleej on Tuesday at Al Inma Stadium in matchweek 17 of the Roshn Saudi League, where Mahrez provided an assist.
Speaking on television after the game, Mahrez said he was happy to see his team winning and stressed that the next target is beating Neom in their upcoming league fixture. Al Ahli will visit Neom on Saturday at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk as they look to keep building momentum in the title race.
Mahrez explained that Al Ahli must approach the campaign “step by step”, accepting that winning the league is not easy but insisting the club has its own project and ambition, and the players are trying to move it forward. He emphasized that the team’s focus is on delivering consistent performances and collecting as many victories as possible over the next month or two.
He then summed up the equation by noting that for Al Ahli to win the league, they must keep winning while Al Hilal, the current leaders, will at some stage “have to lose”.
The victory over Al Khaleej lifted Al Ahli to 37 points in second place, four points behind Al Hilal, who still have a game in hand at the top of the table.
