The final whistle at Alinma Stadium didn't just signal the end of a match; it delivered a resounding verdict. Al-Ahli didn't merely defeat Al-Ettifaq; they dismantled them, issuing a declarative statement that echoed across the league. This wasn't a game of fine margins or contentious calls; it was a clinical exhibition, leaving no doubt about Al-Ahli's intent and capabilities in a season where every point counts.

At the heart of this relentless performance was Ivan Toney, a striker in a class of his own. With a perfect 10.0 rating, Toney carved his name onto the scoresheet three times, showcasing a predatory instinct that Al-Ettifaq simply had no answer for. His first goal in the 17th minute, assisted by Riyad Mahrez, was a testament to Al-Ahli's quick transitions and Mahrez's vision. Toney followed up with two penalties, in the 27th and 83rd minutes, demonstrating composure under pressure and ensuring his team's dominance was reflected where it matters most – on the scoreboard.

The Midfield Mastery and Relentless Pressure

Beyond the goals, Al-Ahli's control of the midfield was absolute. While Al-Ettifaq clung to 47% possession, it felt like a hollow statistic; Al-Ahli’s 53% possession was far more purposeful, translating into 15 shots compared to Al-Ettifaq's paltry 5. Midfield generals like Mohammed Abdulrahman, winning an impressive 9 of his 14 duels, and Valentin Atangana Edoa, who capped his industrious performance with a goal in the 64th minute, ensured Al-Ahli dictated the tempo. The home side completed 353 accurate passes, a clear indication of their ability to circulate the ball and patiently probe for openings.

Riyad Mahrez, despite not scoring himself, was the orchestrator, registering a crucial assist and creating 4 key passes – more than any other player on the pitch. His synergy with Toney was evident, creating headaches for an Al-Ettifaq defense that looked increasingly stretched and overwhelmed. It was not just about individual brilliance; it was about a cohesive unit working in concert to suffocating effect.

Al-Ettifaq's Fading Resistance

For Al-Ettifaq, this match was a harsh reality check. Their offensive efforts were stifled, managing only 2 shots on target throughout the entire match, both comfortably dealt with by Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who only needed to make 2 saves. While Al-Ettifaq's tackles won percentage stood at a respectable 71%, it speaks more to the volume of defending they were forced into rather than any genuine control over the game. They were dispossessed 9 times, highlighting a struggle to maintain possession under Al-Ahli's pressure and recover quickly.

The disparity in chances was stark. Al-Ahli fired 11 shots from inside the box, demonstrating their ability to penetrate dangerous areas, while Al-Ettifaq managed only 2. The defensive solidity provided by Roger Ibañez and Franck Kessié, with Ibañez boasting a 91% pass accuracy and Kessié making 2 interceptions, ensured that any rare Al-Ettifaq foray into Al-Ahli’s half was quickly extinguished. The clean sheet was as much a testament to the collective defensive effort as it was to Mendy’s quiet evening.

A Message Sent, A Season Defined?

With 15 rounds remaining in the 2025-2026 season, and leaders Al-Hilal just one point ahead, this emphatic 4-0 victory is more than just three points for Al-Ahli. It's a statement of intent, a declaration of their ambition to challenge for the top spot. The performance against Al-Ettifaq was a demonstration of a team hitting its stride, where offensive firepower meets defensive rigidity. The question now isn't if Al-Ahli can contend, but whether they can maintain this undeniable momentum and truly define their season with silverware.