On March 4, 2025, the spotlight will shine on Doha as Al-Rayyan hosts Al-Ahli Saudi FC for the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. It promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for advancement to the next round.
Al-Ahli enters the match as the clear favorite, having finished strong with numerous victories throughout the tournament. Slightly staggering for Al-Rayyan, they meet their rivals with mixed emotions; they were bested by Al-Ahli during the group stage, where they lost 2-1 on their previous encounter. Currently, Al-Rayyan sits fifth on the Qatar Championship table with 24 points after 17 matches and faces considerable pressure to turn around their season, especially after recently ending their troublesome home streak.
Last week, Al-Rayyan snapped their long winless streak at home by finally claiming victory after 12 matches, which is celebrated but highlights the inconsistency plaguing their campaign. Coach Artur Jorge believes his side has what it takes to change the narrative, emphasizing the fresh start of knockout football. “Although Al-Rayyan suffered a defeat against Al Ahli recently, this match will be different, with its own dynamics. Both teams have equal chances to reach the quarter-finals,” Jorge said confidently.
Conversely, Al-Ahli visits Qatar riding high on momentum. They pushed hard during the group stage, securing second place and flaunting impressive results – they are currently on a four-match winning streak across all competitions, highlighted by their latest match where Ivan Toney delivered stunning performances by scoring three goals against Al-Hilal, clinching the game with a nail-biting score of 3-2.
Providing depth to Al-Ahli’s appeal is their impressive record. Over their last ten matches, including victories against numerous formidable opponents, they have scored at least two goals each time they stepped onto the pitch. Coach Matthias Jaissle must motivate his team to sustain this form heading toward the knockout rounds. “Our objective is to continue this momentum. We achieved solid results during the league stage, and our aim is to play with the same intensity,” he remarked.
When discussing the upcoming battle, attention turns to prowess-rich players able to alter the game, such as Al-Ahli's Riyad Mahrez and Toney, who possess remarkable skills and finishing abilities. Mahrez's contributions have been central to his team’s success, as he has tallied five goals coupled with seven assists during this competition. He epitomizes the attacking threat Al-Ahli presents, which Al-Rayyan must look to contain.
Analyzing the possible lineups reveals both teams intend to field strong selections. Al-Rayyan is expected to line up with Paulo Victor as goalkeeper, with defenders Naji, Fonseca Amaro, Garcia, and Shehata anchoring the backfield, supported by midfield players De Sart and Mendes, and spearheaded by forwards Surag, Guedes, Trezeguet, and Bareiro. Al-Ahli will rely on experienced Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as they deploy defenders Matteo Dams, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibanez, Ali Majrashi, and midfield talents Mahrez, Gabriel Veiga, and Ziyad Al-Jahani. The attacking responsibilities rest on the trio of Firmino, Toney, and Galeno.
Bookmakers have taken note of Al-Ahli's form and are currently offering odds of 1.77 for them to secure victory. The match predictions lean heavily toward Al-Ahli, with projections hinting at them winning this matchup 3-1, drawing from their formidable moral fortitude and consistent attacking displays.
Both teams prepare for what should be an exhilarating atmosphere filled with fans hoping to witness their side triumph on the field. Al-Rayyan will endeavor to leverage home-field advantage, and the gathering crowd will expect their stars to perform at peak levels. With the return leg set for March 11, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City, the teams know securing favorable results now could provide substantial leverage heading back to Saudi Arabia.
Match details are as follows: kickoff is poised for 9 PM local time, and VAR technology will be used for accurate officiation. All eyes will be on both coaching benches, as managerial tactics will be key components influencing the outcome.
Both coaches urge their players to maintain focus, and defenders are instructed to tighten their marking, as the nature of knockout football demands utmost precision. Adam Bareiro of Al-Rayyan summed it up well: “There’s no doubt this will be tough, but we will not make it easy for them. Our determination to progress needs to match their ambition.”
With formidable squads clashing and ambition etched on every players’ face, this round promises not only memorable moments but potentially historical outcomes for both clubs.