Three-time Saudi Professional League champions Al Ahli, after back-to-back second place finishes in the last two seasons, recorded a bright start to their 2018/19 campaign with four consecutive wins after an opening day draw, and were battling it out with Al Hilal and Al Nassr for the top three spots heading into the middle of the season.

Goals, saves, flowing moves and much more all make it onto the list following Matchday Three as the-AFC.com looks back at the week in numbers.

With some teams now starting to eye knockout round qualification and others trying to salvage their campaigns, the-AFC.com takes a look at how those involved reflected on their latest matches.

The 2018 finalists took the lead for the first time this campaign after 18 minutes with what was the first real chance of the match.

Al Ahli's defence failed to deal with a long throw-in from Mehdi Shiri and defender Shojae Khalilzadeh was in the right spot and went for the spectacular, volleying home from inside the box past a helpless Mohammed Al Owais.

Two minutes later, Ahmad Noorollahi tried his luck for Persepolis from distance, but his shot missed by inches.