RIYADH: Al-Ahli could not have asked for a better tune-up ahead of their second meeting with Al-Hilal this season on Monday. With the league leaders travelling to Khobar to face an in-form Al-Qadsiah on Thursday, victory over Al-Ettifaq offered Al-Ahli the chance to capitalise on any dropped points.
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Matthias Jaissle’s side produced an excellent display in front of the home crowd, opening matchday 19 with a commanding 4-0 win.
Early on, it appeared Al-Ahli may already have had one eye on the looming clash with Al-Hilal. Al-Ettifaq began with determination, winning second balls effectively and dictating the tempo. However, Al-Ahli’s unique 3-4-2-1 set-up for this encounter proved fruitful.
The hosts lined up with Franck Kessié partnering Roger Ibanez and Rayan Hamed across the back, while Wenderson Galeno and Mohammed Abdulrahman operated as wide midfielders. Enzo Millot and Riyad Mahrez occupied the spaces behind Ivan Toney, pulling defenders out of Al-Ettifaq’s defence to create space in behind.
