In a thrilling encounter at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium in Mecca, Al-Ahli edged past Al-Wehda with a 3-2 victory in the 29th round of the Saudi Pro League on April 22, 2025. The match showcased high stakes for both teams, with Al-Wehda fighting to avoid relegation and Al-Ahli vying for a top-three finish.
Al-Wehda, currently sitting in 15th place in the league standings, was desperate for points as they battled to escape the relegation zone. Despite their struggles this season, the team had shown signs of improvement, winning four of their last five matches, including a 2-0 away victory against Al-Taawoun in their previous outing. However, this momentum was put to the test against a strong Al-Ahli side.
From the kick-off, it was evident that Al-Ahli had come to play. Roger Ibanez opened the scoring for the visitors in the 6th minute, putting Al-Wehda on the back foot early in the match. The pressure continued to mount on Al-Wehda as Al-Ahli maintained their attacking intent.
In the second half, Al-Ahli doubled their lead when Venderso Galeno found the back of the net in the 58th minute, extending their advantage to 2-0. Al-Wehda, however, refused to back down and fought back valiantly. Their efforts bore fruit when Abdullah Al-Hafith scored in the 81st minute, narrowing the gap to 2-1 and reigniting hopes for the home crowd.
Just when it seemed Al-Wehda might equalize, Riyad Marez struck for Al-Ahli in the 89th minute, restoring a two-goal cushion at 3-1. Yet, the drama was not over. In a nail-biting finish, Al-Wehda's Ala'a Al-Hajji scored in stoppage time, making it 3-2 and setting up a frantic final moment as they pushed for an equalizer.
With this victory, Al-Ahli solidified their position in the league, now sitting fourth with 58 points, just two points behind Al-Nasr, who currently occupy the third spot. Meanwhile, Al-Wehda remains in a precarious position at 15th place with 26 points, still in danger of relegation.
Al-Ahli’s recent form has been impressive, particularly in away matches, where they have secured four wins in their last five outings. Their attacking prowess was on full display in this match, with the team’s ability to score crucial goals at key moments proving decisive.
Looking ahead, Al-Ahli will continue to chase a top-three finish, which would grant them a spot in the prestigious AFC Champions League. Their next matches will be critical as they aim to maintain their momentum and secure their place among the league’s elite.
Meanwhile, Al-Wehda must regroup quickly as they face the daunting task of fighting for survival in the league. Despite the setback against Al-Ahli, their recent form gives them a glimmer of hope as they prepare for the remaining fixtures of the season.
In terms of betting, bookmakers had favored Al-Ahli going into the match, offering odds of 1.35 for their victory. The odds for a total of less than 3.5 goals in the match were set at 1.78, reflecting expectations of a competitive encounter. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adjust their strategies and performances to achieve their respective goals.
In conclusion, as the Saudi Pro League heats up, both Al-Wehda and Al-Ahli find themselves at critical junctures in their campaigns. With the fight for survival and the race for the top three intensifying, every match will be crucial in determining the fate of these two clubs.
