Al Ahli Stun Al Nassr 3-2 Despite Playing With Nine Men

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA — Al Ahli pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory over Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, defying both the statistics and a late numerical disadvantage in one of the Saudi Pro League's most dramatic encounters of the season. The home side held on despite being reduced to nine men in the dying moments, snatching three points that Al Nassr's 70% possession suggested should never have been theirs.

The match exploded into life in the seventh minute when Ivan Toney opened the scoring for Al Ahli, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the home side an early advantage. The English striker doubled his tally in the 20th minute with a clinical finish that sent the Jeddah faithful into raptures. Al Ahli's dream start left Al Nassr reeling, their possession dominance counting for nothing against Toney's predatory instincts.

Al Nassr clawed their way back before halftime through Abdulelah Al-Amri, who netted in the 31st minute to reduce the deficit. The defender struck again in the 44th minute, leveling the score at 2-2 and completely shifting the momentum. The visitors emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose after making two substitutions at the break. Their territorial dominance was evident—Al Nassr finished with 20 shots to Al Ahli's 17—but the home side's clinical edge in front of goal told a different story.

The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when Merih Demiral rose highest to power home a header, restoring Al Ahli's lead at 3-2. Despite Al Nassr's overwhelming possession and constant pressure, they managed just four shots on target from their 20 attempts, a damning statistic that highlighted their wastefulness in the final third. Al Ahli's goalkeeper made four crucial saves, while his counterpart faced seven shots on target, showcasing the contrasting efficiency of both attacks.

The match descended into chaos in stoppage time. Ali Majrashi saw red for Al Ahli in the 96th minute, and Al Nassr's Nawaf Boushal followed him down the tunnel three minutes later, though by then Al Ahli were already down to nine men. The referee showed nine cards in total—seven yellows and two reds—in an encounter that boiled over as frustrations mounted. Merih Demiral picked up a yellow card in the 102nd minute, capping a tempestuous finale that saw Al Ahli desperately defend their slender advantage.

The statistics told a story of Al Nassr dominance that never materialized into victory. They controlled 70% of possession, pinning Al Ahli back for long stretches, yet couldn't find the cutting edge when it mattered most. Al Ahli's counter-attacking threat and set-piece prowess proved decisive, with Toney and Demiral punishing every opportunity that came their way.

Al Ahli will host Al Okhdood on January 8, while Al Nassr will look to bounce back when they host Al Qadsiah the same day.