Al-Ahli chief coach Matthias Jaissle enjoyed looking at the dramatic Late Comeback to beat 4-2 with Nasaf while making a winning start of their AFC Champions League Elite title defense.
Things looked bleak for Al-Ahli after a bad show in the first half, with Husain Norchaev scored twice in the 34th and 41st minutes to give a 2-0 lead during the break.
However, the Saudi Pro League side fought back after the break, with Enzo Millot scored a three-minute brace to draw Al-Ahli level against the 68th minute.
It seemed that they might not be shooting a comeback, but Riyad Mahrez cut into the box to fire a low shot along Abduvohid Ne’matov in the 94th minute to lead Al-Ahli.
Alibek Davronov was then broadcast in the 103rd minute for a last man on Ivan Toney, with Mohammed Sulaiman two minutes later certain of the three points with a close-range finish.
Al-Ahli has won an AFC Champions League-Elite match when he left home at the half time for the first time since April 2015, and it was an essential three points in front of Jaissle.
“It was a difficult match. We were not fully present in the first half and had admitted twice, but we knew we had to show our character in the second half,” said Jaissle.
Full time!
#Tdealis Andronial – FC Natasaf#Llaahli_fcnasaf#Afc_champions_league_elite pic.twitter.com/ttveuftqn7-Al-Mahli Saudi Club (@alahli_fcen) September 15, 2025
“It was fantastic to see the team play with one mind next to our fans, and I really enjoyed looking at my players score scoring after goal with such a passion.
“It was important for us to be on the winning side today, and I have to emphasize how proud I am of the team after their comeback and the incredible four goals they scored.”
Al-Ahli has now won their last eight games in the Champions League Elite, their longest winning series in the competition (since at least 2013-14).
However, while they started at a peak, Al-Eittihad lost their opener 2-1 against Al Wadha.
Steven Bergwijn had set up Laurent Blanc’s side in the first half, but Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti was then broadcast before the break and Caio Canedo drew the level of the hosts before Lucas Pimenta sealed the victory in the 98th minute.
#Jaissle #delighted #fantastic #Ahli #Start #Champions #League #Title #defense #dramatic #comeback #football #news