Ricardo Matias punishes Al Ahli as Al Shabab claim 6-1 Saudi Pro League win

Al Shabab’s 6-1 victory over Al Ahli has highlighted the decision to loan out Ricardo Matias, with the Brazilian striker scoring twice and contributing to two more goals against the club that still owns him.

The “small classic” was played at the SHG Arena in Riyadh on Friday in the 12th round of the Saudi Pro League. Al Shabab took control after Matias opened the scoring just 66 seconds into the match, dispossessing Al Ahli defender Rayan Hamed before finishing past goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi.

Matias struck again three minutes after half-time, heading Yannick Carrasco’s cross into the net to make it 4-1. His performance went beyond his two goals, however, as he also played a part in two further Al Shabab efforts.

Carrasco scored from a free-kick after Matias had forced the incident that led to it. The Brazilian’s shot was blocked by Al-Sanbi’s hand outside the penalty area, resulting in a direct red card for the goalkeeper.

Matias later won a penalty after being brought down in the box. Colombia striker Roger Martinez converted the spot-kick for Al Shabab’s third goal.

The 20-year-old was able to influence the game so heavily while technically remaining an Al Ahli player. He joined Al Shabab on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window, having moved to Al Ahli from Internacional in January of last year.

His opportunities with Al Ahli’s first team were limited. Matias made only six appearances and did not score, while showing greater promise for the club’s Under-21 side in the Jawwy Elite League Under-21 last season.

He scored four goals in the final four rounds of that campaign, despite Al Ahli struggling for form. Those performances did not lead to a first-team opportunity, and the club did not use him as cover for England striker Ivan Toney when Toney was unavailable against Al Shabab.

Instead, Al Ahli allowed Matias to leave on loan. He subsequently scored twice against them, helping to define their heavy Saudi Pro League defeat while taking his own Al Shabab tally to four goals in five appearances.

Al Ahli will have an opportunity to reassess the decision next summer. Matias is due to return when his loan spell with Al Shabab ends at the conclusion of the current season.