Mahrez's Redemption: How a Disappointing Start Fueled Al-Ahli's Asian Glory
TDT | Manama
Riyad Mahrez arrived in Saudi Arabia with glittering credentials and sky-high expectations. But after a quiet debut season with Al-Ahli that ended without silverware, the Algerian winger returned to the Asian stage this year with something to prove — and proved it in emphatic style.
On Saturday night at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Mahrez added a new chapter to his decorated career, helping Al-Ahli lift the Asian Champions League Elite trophy for the first time with a 2-0 win over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale.
While the 34-year-old wasn't at his explosive best in the final, his impact over the course of the tournament was undeniable. He scored nine goals and assisted eight across 13 matches, driving Al-Ahli's unbeaten run all the way to the title.
'For me, this is as good as all the titles I have,' said Mahrez, who now adds an Asian crown to a trophy cabinet already containing Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Africa Cup of Nations triumphs. 'It's a different competition, a different continent, and a new emotion. Last year, I didn't win anything and that really upset me. This season, I wanted to make a stand.'
Al-Ahli's run was nothing short of dominant. Under German coach Matthias Jaissle, they became the only team in the competition to remain unbeaten, with 12 wins and a single draw. But it was their thrilling 3-2 semi-final win over four-time champions Al-Hilal that proved to be the turning point.
'Even against Al-Hilal, who are a very strong side, we showed we could beat anyone,' Mahrez said. 'I'm always the first to congratulate a deserving team—but today, it's our turn.'
The victory sent Jeddah into a frenzy, as Al-Ahli fans finally celebrated continental glory after painful near-misses in 1986 and 2012. The win also saw Mahrez and teammate Roberto Firmino complete a rare double — winning both the UEFA and Asian Champions League titles.
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