It was billed as a fiery encounter, and the latest edition of the Saudi Pro League's "El Clasico" between Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli at the SHG Arena on February 13, 2026, certainly delivered on that promise. Al-Ahli, riding a wave of recent momentum, stormed to a stunning 5-2 away victory over their rivals, marking a statement win that not only secured three crucial points but also propelled them to second place in the league standings.
From the opening whistle, the visitors made their intentions unmistakably clear. Al-Ahli pressed high, forcing Al-Shabab into hurried clearances and capitalizing on nearly every opportunity. The tone was set in the sixth minute when Rayan Hamed, reacting fastest to a loose ball from a set piece, smashed a close-range effort into the top left corner. The early breakthrough left the home crowd silenced and hinted at the drama to come.
Team selection for Al-Ahli was the subject of much pre-match speculation. Turkish defender Merih Demiral was ruled out following a late medical assessment, a significant absence for the visitors’ back line. In addition, three foreign players were omitted from the squad, prompting a reshuffle that saw Edouard Mendy start in goal, with a defensive unit featuring Matteo Darmian, Roger Ibañez, Ali Majrashi, and the goalscoring Hamed. The midfield trio combined the physicality of Franck Kessié, the technical nous of Enzo Millot, and the local dynamism of Ziad Al-Juhani. Up front, the attacking trident of Galeno, Ivan Toney, and Riyad Mahrez looked formidable on paper—and even more so on the pitch.
Al-Shabab, kicking off at 8:55 AM ET (4:55 PM Saudi time), initially tried to relieve the mounting pressure by stretching play down the flanks. Quick diagonals and wide releases were their main outlet, but Al-Ahli’s aggressive pressing and midfield control consistently stifled these efforts. The early concession forced the home side to push forward, but this only opened up more space for Al-Ahli’s rapid transitions.
It didn’t take long for the visitors to double their lead. In the 20th minute, Mahrez threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Franck Kessié, who coolly slotted home with his right foot into the bottom left corner. If the first goal rattled Al-Shabab, the second left them reeling. Five minutes later, Mahrez himself found the net, guiding a left-footed finish into the bottom right corner after a dangerous cross from Zakaria Hawsawi. Suddenly, Al-Ahli were up 3-0, and the contest threatened to become a rout.
Al-Shabab, however, refused to go quietly. Yannick Carrasco offered a glimmer of hope in the 33rd minute, curling a precise free kick into the bottom right corner to make it 3-1. The home crowd erupted, sensing a possible comeback. But Al-Ahli responded almost instantly. Ivan Toney led a blistering counterattack and fed Enzo Millot, who swept a composed left-footed finish into the bottom left corner, restoring the three-goal cushion at 4-1 in the 35th minute.
The first half remained breathless. Just before the break, Carrasco stepped up again, this time converting a penalty with a confident strike to the bottom right corner. Al-Shabab had clawed it back to 4-2, keeping the contest very much alive heading into halftime. As the teams left the pitch, the match had already seen six goals and a flurry of attacking football rarely witnessed in such high-stakes clashes.
After the interval, Al-Ahli focused on managing their advantage, maintaining possession, and picking their moments to strike. Al-Shabab, desperate to find a way back, made a key substitution in the 65th minute, bringing on Hammam Al-Hammami for Josh Brownhill in search of fresh legs and renewed energy. The hosts pushed forward, but for all their effort, clear chances were hard to come by against Al-Ahli’s disciplined rearguard.
One of the best opportunities for Al-Ahli to extend their lead came in the 76th minute. Ziyad Al-Juhani found Ivan Toney in space on the left side of the box, but the striker fired over with his right foot—a rare miss in an otherwise stellar performance. Toney, however, would not be denied for long. In the 83rd minute, he stepped up to take a penalty and powered his shot into the top left corner, making it 5-2 and effectively sealing the result.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for Al-Ahli. With five goals scored away from home, they showcased not just individual brilliance but also tactical cohesion and mental resilience. The win was particularly sweet given the pre-match adversity—missing Demiral and three foreign professionals from the squad. As reported by multiple outlets, Mahrez’s contribution was especially notable, as he reached 50 goal involvements for Al-Ahli in the Saudi League, a milestone reflecting his influence since joining the club.
Coach Yaislah, reflecting on the win, praised his players’ determination and ability to handle the pressure of a congested fixture list. "I am happy with Al-Ahli's victory despite the pressure of consecutive matches," he said, underscoring the squad’s depth and adaptability. Ivan Toney’s goal also drew attention; by notching his 20th goal for Al-Ahli, he matched the club record previously set by Omar Al-Somah, cementing his status as a key figure in the team’s attacking arsenal.
On the other side, Al-Shabab were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Carrasco’s brace offered moments of hope, but every time the hosts threatened a comeback, Al-Ahli responded with ruthless efficiency. The defeat leaves Al-Shabab with plenty to ponder as they look to regroup for the remainder of the season.
This result not only impacts the league table but also sends a message to Al-Ahli’s title rivals. With their blend of experience, star power, and tactical discipline, the squad appears well-equipped for the challenges ahead. The exclusion of key players did little to blunt their edge, and the chemistry between Mahrez, Toney, and Kessié in attack is proving difficult for any defense to contain.
As the Saudi Pro League enters its decisive stretch, Al-Ahli’s emphatic performance in Riyadh will be remembered as a turning point in their campaign. The team’s ability to rise to the occasion, even amid adversity, is a testament to their ambitions and growing stature in regional football. For Al-Shabab, the challenge is now to regroup and respond, as the battle for league supremacy continues to heat up.
With bragging rights secured and momentum firmly on their side, Al-Ahli leave the SHG Arena with heads held high, their sights set firmly on the top spot as the season heads toward its thrilling conclusion.