Sundowns threat could force Al Ahli to rethink their approach

Al Ahli Saudi face a tactical test against Sundowns that goes beyond their ability to impose their usual style. Their pressing game could become a weakness if they allow the South African side the space required to launch quick attacks.

Al Ahli often look to press high, narrow the areas available to opponents and move forward immediately after regaining possession. That approach can keep the game away from their own goal, but it also carries danger when the first line of pressure is beaten.

The space left between midfield and defence could become a direct target for Sundowns, who are capable of moving the ball quickly, exploiting gaps and switching from defence to attack in a short period. If Al Ahli commit too many players forward without adequate cover, their defence may be exposed in open situations.

Pressure must be carefully timed

Al Ahli are unlikely to need to abandon their pressing strategy altogether. Instead, coach Marino Pusic may have to select the moments when his side applies pressure more carefully, ensuring it does not create the best opportunity for Sundowns to reach Edouard Mendy’s goal.

Pusic has used more than one formation recently, including 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, giving him flexibility to respond to the demands of a match. The meeting with Sundowns could require a change from the usual shape to preserve the balance between attacking pressure and defensive protection.

Moving between the two systems during the game may prevent Al Ahli from becoming tied to one tactical plan for the full 90 minutes. A midfield three could help close the spaces Sundowns seek to exploit during transitions, while 4-2-3-1 offers a different balance when building attacks and pressing.

However, the key issue may not be the formation listed on paper, but the positions occupied by the players when possession is lost. Al Ahli’s main concern is not simply how they construct attacks, but what happens in the first few seconds after the ball is given away.

Space behind the defence

If Al Ahli attack with too much aggression, the areas behind their defenders could provide Sundowns with their clearest route forward. The positioning of the defence and midfield will therefore be crucial, particularly when the full-backs advance or the forwards move into higher positions.

Sundowns may try to draw Al Ahli forward before attacking the space left behind them. That would present Pusic’s side with a choice: continue pressing and accept the risk, or drop back slightly to retain its balance and deny Sundowns the room needed to launch transitions.

The reaction immediately after losing the ball will be decisive. Al Ahli must retain enough players behind the ball, recover quickly and close the passing lanes Sundowns could use to break into the attacking third.

Balancing identity with caution

The match may require Pusic to adjust some of the details that have become familiar in Al Ahli’s play. That would not mean their attacking style is ineffective, but rather that a major game demands a different reading of the opposition.

Maintaining an attacking identity does not necessarily mean pressing at the same intensity throughout or trying to apply pressure in every moment. Al Ahli have the quality to dictate the tempo, but Sundowns are unlikely to offer them free space and could punish any uncontrolled advance.

With 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and further in-game changes among his options, Pusic’s crucial decision will be when to alter the shape or reduce the intensity of the press. If Al Ahli protect the space behind their defence, their attacking approach can become a strength. If they leave it exposed, Sundowns may find their most dangerous weapon.