The clash between Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli provided a masterclass in how managerial intervention can transform territorial dominance into a tangible result. For over an hour, Al-Qadsiah held the ball with 64% possession, yet the scoreboard remained neutral until the final third of the match suggested that squad depth is often more valuable than a starting lineup's reputation.

Al-Qadsiah controlled the geometry of the pitch through Musab Al Juwayr and Julian Weigl, completing 377 accurate passes compared to Al-Ahli’s 168. Al Juwayr, who finished with an 8.18 rating, acted as the conductor of this possession, creating 5 chances and scoring a vital goal. However, despite 449 total passes, Al-Qadsiah struggled with crossing accuracy, hitting only 15.8%. The breakthrough required more than just rhythm; it required the specific impact provided by the substitutes.

The entrance of Turki Al-Ammar and Ibrahim Mahnashi changed the gravity of the contest. Al-Ammar, playing only 19 minutes, registered an 8.61 rating, netting a goal and completing 3 successful dribbles. Similarly, Mahnashi needed only 14 minutes to score and maintain a 93% pass accuracy. This burst of efficiency stood in contrast to Al-Ahli’s high-profile attack. While Ivan Toney found the net from one of his three attempts, Riyad Mahrez endured a difficult night, finishing with a 5.32 rating and losing possession 13 times.

Al-Ahli’s struggle was most evident in their buildup. Forced into a reactive stance, they relied heavily on long balls, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy attempting 29 long passes with a 41% success rate. This lack of composure in transition meant that even when Al-Ahli won their duels (52% overall), they could not retain the ball long enough to sustain pressure.

The data suggests that while Al-Qadsiah’s possession provided the foundation, their bench provided the architecture for the win. Al-Ahli’s 66% pass accuracy was simply too low to compete with a side that combined 84% accuracy with the clinical impact of high-performing substitutes. It was a night where the numbers suggested that while control is a luxury, late-game impact is a necessity.