AFC Champions League Elite
The win moved Matthias Jaissle’s defending champions to 13 points and assured them of a top eight finish in the West Zone while defeat meant almost certain elimination for Iraq’s Al Shorta despite two matches remaining.
Al Shorta dominated the early proceedings with a Mahmoud Almawas header from Hasan Raed’s cross from the left going just wide of Al Ahli’s goalmouth in the ninth minute.
Without Franck Kessie and Riyad Mahrez in the team, Al Ahli were put under continuous pressure by Al Shorta, who went close again through Leonel Mbida’s fiercely struck effort that was eventually blocked.
Having weathered the early pressure, Al Ahli showed why they are the holders as they took the lead in the 30th minute, with Roger Ibanez bursting forward from defence before sweeping home a return pass from Ivan Toney.
Al Shorta had opportunities to draw level before half-time but Ahmed Farhan could not convert from close range before Mbida saw his effort saved by Abdulrahman Alsanbi.
Al Ahli looked more in control after the interval with Toney becoming increasingly influential for the Saudi Pro League side, the England international threading Fahad Alrashidi through for a strike that Ahmed Basil blocked.
The former Brentford forward then latched onto Galeno’s chipped pass four minutes later, produced a sumptuous first touch before rolling the ball past the advancing Basil to double Al Ahli’s advantage.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli increased their lead in the 72nd minute when Saleh Alshamat sent Galeno galloping down the left, who beat Mustafa Saadoon before slotting past Basil.
Alshamat netted the fourth for the defending champions when he trapped Toney’s long pass in the 81st minute and lifted the ball past Basil into the far corner with Ziyad Aljohani capping the impressive victory with his effort five minutes later.
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