Introduction – Al-Ahli Saudi vs. Al-Riyadh
The match between Al-Ahli Saudi and Al-Riyadh, valid for the 13th round of the Saudi Pro League 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw, in a game marked by intensity, controversy and a decisive expulsion. The game, played at King Abdullah Sports City stadium, brought together two clubs with different trajectories in the competition, but with the same objective: to gain points to climb the table.
From the opening whistle, Al-Ahli tried to impose their rhythm with more ball possession and quick passing combinations, relying on the technical quality of Roberto Firmino and Franck Kessié. Al-Riyadh, on the other hand, adopted a more conservative strategy, closing down spaces and looking for quick counter-attacks.
The first half was dominated by the home team, but also featured good saves from the opposing goalkeeper and a solid tactical approach from Al-Riyadh. The second half, however, was marked by moments of tension, especially after the expulsion of Ziyad Al-Johani, which left Al-Ahli with one less player and changed the course of the match.
The draw, while frustrating for Al-Ahli fans, reflects the balance of power and the good tactical level shown by both teams. For Al-Riyadh, the away result was celebrated as a valuable point against one of the Saudi giants.
Pre-Game Context – Team Objectives and Expectations
Before the match began, Al-Ahli Saudi arrived under pressure to win and move closer to the top 3 in the standings. The team had been alternating between good and bad moments in the competition, with solid performances at home but inconsistent results away. Matthias Jaissle’s team opted for a more offensive formation, with Firmino in the center and Gabri Veiga organizing the midfield.
Al-Riyadh, struggling in the middle of the standings, saw the match as an opportunity to test their resilience against a more skilled team. Coach Jorge Simão opted for a compact tactical system, prioritizing midfield blocking and quick counter-attacks down the flanks, exploiting the spaces left by the opponent.
Al-Ahli fans expected a game of absolute dominance, and the packed stands showed their confidence in a victory. However, the reality was harsher: Al-Riyadh showed consistency, knew how to control the spaces and efficiently exploited the home team’s defensive weaknesses.
The emotional context also influenced the pace of the match. Al-Ahli players showed nervousness at times, while Al-Riyadh maintained their composure and organization, which was crucial in holding onto the result until the end.
First Half – Al-Ahli dominates, but lacks precision. Al-Ahli Saudi vs. Al-Riyadh
The first half began with strong pressure from Al-Ahli, who pushed their opponents back into their own half. Roberto Firmino had a great chance in the 10th minute, but Al-Riyadh goalkeeper Martin Campaña made a spectacular save. Shortly after, Kessié tried his luck from outside the box, requiring another intervention.
Despite having more possession (63% in the first 45 minutes), Al-Ahli lacked finishing. Al-Riyadh maintained a firm defensive posture, with defender Ali Al-Zaqan standing out, neutralizing several dangerous plays.
In the 28th minute, Al-Ahli finally opened the scoring with Gabri Veiga, after a beautiful team play and an assist from Firmino. The goal brought momentary relief, but also woke up Al-Riyadh, who began to attack more.
At the end of the first half, Al-Riyadh almost equalized with Juanmi, who hit the post after a mistake by goalkeeper Mendy. The visiting team finished the half on a high note, indicating that there was still a lot of the game left to play.
Second Half – Red Card Changes the Game and Al-Riyadh Draws Al-Ahli Saudi x Al-Riyadh
The second half began with Al-Ahli trying to manage their lead, but the game changed completely in the 60th minute. Ziyad Al-Johani received his second yellow card after a hard foul and was sent off, leaving the home team with 10 players.
From then on, Al-Riyadh grew into the game. Coach Jorge Simão made offensive substitutions, bringing on Andre Gray and Nasser Al-Dawsari to try and find an equalizer. The effort paid off: in the 74th minute, Juanmi scored after a rebound inside the area, tying the game at 1-1.
In the final minutes, Al-Ahli tried to react even with one player less. Riyad Mahrez almost scored from a free kick, but the ball hit the crossbar. Tension gripped the stands, and the score remained tied until the final whistle.
The draw was fair, considering the teams’ approach and the events of the game. Al-Ahli showed quality, but lacked emotional balance. Al-Riyadh, on the other hand, demonstrated tactical discipline and the ability to react—essential factors for securing points away from home.
Statistics – Al-Ahli Saudi x Al-Riyadh (Saudi League 2025-26)
| Statistic | Al-Ahli Saudi | Al-Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Total shots | 18 | 9 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 3 |
| Ball possession (%) | 61.4 | 38.6 |
| Complete passes | ~525 | ~310 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 87.0 | 77.0 |
| Corner kicks | 6 | 3 |
| Mistakes committed | 13 | 11 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 4 |
| Expulsions | 1 | 0 |
| Accurate disarms | 17 | 21 |
| Aerial duels won (%) | 56 | 44 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 2 | 6 |
| Dangerous counterattacks | 3 | 5 |
| Touches in the opponent’s penalty area | 27 | 16 |
| History H2H | Al-Ahli 6 wins / Al-Riyadh 3 wins / 2 draws |
These numbers show Al-Ahli’s dominance in possession and attacking volume, but also Al-Riyadh’s defensive efficiency and resilience, as they knew how to take advantage of the numerical advantage after the sending-off.
Impact on the Saudi League Table
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Al-Ahli Saudi | 25 |
| 10th | Al-Riyadh | 14 |
With the draw, Al-Ahli Saudi remained in the qualifying zone for continental competitions, but missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Al-Riyadh, on the other hand, secured an important point to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Conclusion – Al-Ahli Saudi vs. Al-Riyadh
The draw between Al-Ahli Saudi and Al-Riyadh was a lesson in tactical balance and a demonstration of resilience. Al-Ahli showed offensive strength, but a lack of emotional control and a sending-off compromised the result. Al-Riyadh, on the other hand, demonstrated maturity and knew how to exploit the right moments to react.
For Al-Ahli fans, the bitter taste of two lost points remains, but there are also positive signs of a team with the potential to compete at the top. Al-Riyadh, in turn, emerges morally strengthened, proving that it can compete with clubs with greater investment.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Ahli Saudi vs. Al-Riyadh
- What was the final score of the game?
1-1. - Who scored the goals?
Gabri Veiga (Al-Ahli) and Juanmi (Al-Riyadh). - Who was expelled?
Ziyad Al-Johani, from Al-Ahli Saudi. - Which team had more possession?
Al-Ahli, with 61.4%. - Who was the standout player of the match?
Martin Campaña, the Al-Riyadh goalkeeper. - Did VAR interfere in the match?
Yes, it confirmed Al-Johani’s expulsion. - How many shots did Al-Ahli have?
18 shots, with 7 on target. - Where is Al-Ahli doing in the standings?
In 3rd place, with 25 points. - What was Al-Ahli’s main problem?
Lack of efficiency and emotional instability. - What is Al-Ahli’s next match?
Against Al-Ettifaq, away from home. - Was the draw fair?
Yes, considering the sending-off and Al-Riyadh’s reaction. - Who had more scoring chances?
Al-Ahli, but they wasted clear opportunities. - Is Al-Riyadh in good form?
They are improving, with three games unbeaten. - Was there controversy surrounding the refereeing?
Yes, because of the severity of the sending-off. - Where can you watch the highlights?
On the official Saudi Pro League YouTube channel (SSC Sports).
