Al Ahli secured a decisive 2-0 victory against Damac during the Saudi Pro League match on February 21, 2025. The win not only marked the team’s comeback following their recent loss to Al Nassr but also tightened their grip on the fifth position within the league standings.
The match took place at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Abha, where Al Ahli's head coach Matthias Jaissle must have felt the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Al Ahli, bolstered by the impressive performances of their forwards Ivan Toney and Galeno, aimed to solidify their status within the competition.
Right from the start, Al Ahli made their intentions clear. Just four minutes after kick-off, Toney scored the opener with a brilliant effort set up by Galeno. The early goal gave Al Ahli the confidence they needed, as they dominated possession and pressed forward against their opponents.
The first half continued with Al Ahli maintaining control, creating several chances, but Damac's defense, under coach Nuno Almeida, managed to hold off additional strikes. Despite not scoring again before the half-time whistle, Al Ahli’s dominating performance left little doubt who was the superior side on the pitch.
The second half saw Damac trying to bring the game back to level terms, but they struggled to break through Al Ahli’s solid defense. With each missed opportunity, including attempts from key players, the pressure mounted on Damac as they sought to find any way to score.
Finally, as stoppage time loomed, Galeno took advantage of Damac's defensive negligence to net the second goal at the 90'+5 mark, sealing the game for Al Ahli. This late goal not only showcased Galeno's on-field intelligence but also emphasized the challenges Damac faced today.
Following this victory, the updated league table shows Al Ahli maintaining fifth place with 41 points, justifying their position as contenders for future matches, though they remain 14 points away from the league leaders, Al Ittihad. On the other hand, Damac, currently sitting at 11th with 24 points, will have to reassess their strategy moving forward to avoid slipping down the rankings.
This match served as a reminder of Al Ahli's resilience and the potential they have to turn their fortunes around with players like Toney and Galeno leading the charge. Their performance not only reestablished their competitive edge but also reaffirmed the importance of strategic play and team synergy within league matches.
The turnout was witnessed by 11,023 fans, who were treated to not only the goals but also the strategic management displayed by the opposing coaches. The atmosphere remained electric, rallying the teams as they fought hard for the three points on offer.
Looking forward, Al Ahli will aim to build on this form, hoping to inch closer to the top spots as the season progresses, whilst Damac must find ways to address their current slump. The next fixtures will be pivotal for both teams, as they strategize not just for wins but to secure their positions within the league.
Overall, the match today reflects the dynamism of the Saudi Pro League, where every game can lead to dramatic shifts—in the standings and the fortunes of its clubs.