Saudi Gazette report

BAGHDAD — Al Ahli Saudi FC booked their place in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 in emphatic fashion after demolishing Al Shorta 5-0 on Monday.

The dominant victory lifted the defending champions to 13 points, guaranteeing them a top-eight finish in the West Zone with two matches still to play.

The defeat, meanwhile, leaves Al Shorta on the brink of elimination despite the remaining fixtures.

Al Shorta made a bright start in Baghdad and almost stunned the visitors early on when Mahmoud Almawas headed narrowly wide from Hasan Raed’s left-wing cross in the ninth minute.

The Iraqi side continued to apply pressure, with Leonel Mbida testing Al Ahli’s defence before seeing a fierce strike blocked.

Missing key figures Franck Kessié and Riyad Mahrez, Al Ahli absorbed the early pressure before asserting their quality midway through the first half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Roger Ibanez surged forward from defence, exchanged passes with Ivan Toney and calmly swept the ball into the net.

Al Shorta had chances to respond before the break, but Ahmed Farhan failed to convert from close range, while Mbida was denied by a solid save from goalkeeper Abdulrahman Alsanbi.

After the interval, Al Ahli took firm control, with Toney growing increasingly influential.

The England striker first slipped Fahad Alrashidi through on goal, only for Ahmed Basil to block the attempt, before doubling the lead moments later.

Galeno’s delicate chipped pass found Toney, who produced a sublime first touch before rolling the ball past the advancing Basil.

The Saudi side continued to press and made it 3-0 in the 72nd minute. Saleh Alshamat released Galeno down the left flank, and the Brazilian beat Mustafa Saadoon before finishing confidently beyond Basil.

Alshamat then added a fourth in the 81st minute, expertly controlling Toney’s long pass before lifting the ball into the far corner.

Ziyad Aljohani completed the rout five minutes later, capping a comprehensive performance from the holders.

The result underlined Al Ahli’s growing momentum in the competition as they continue their defence of the continental crown, while Al Shorta face an uphill battle to keep their campaign alive.