The final whistle at Alinma Stadium delivered a clear verdict: Al-Ahli earned this victory, not through comfortable dominance, but through an unwavering will to prevail. Despite conceding first and facing a determined Al-Taawoun side, Al-Ahli's 2-1 triumph on January 14, 2026, was a testament to their inherent quality and a refusal to settle for anything less than three points.

The Scales of Justice Tipped

From the outset, the home side demonstrated a clear intent to impose themselves. Al-Ahli unleashed 11 shots throughout the ninety minutes, precisely double Al-Taawoun's 5 attempts. This offensive thrust was further underscored by their command of set-pieces, winning 7 corners compared to just 1 for the visitors. While possession statistics showed a near-even split – Al-Ahli with 49% and Al-Taawoun with 51% – it was Al-Ahli who consistently carved out the more dangerous opportunities, registering 5 shots on target, mirroring Al-Taawoun's count but from a much larger volume of attempts.

The attacking initiative was also evident in Al-Ahli's daring on the ball, completing 11 successful dribbles from 23 attempts, a stark contrast to Al-Taawoun's solitary successful dribble from 10 tries. This willingness to take on defenders and penetrate spaces highlighted a proactive approach that consistently pushed Al-Taawoun onto the back foot.

Toney: The Executioner of Destiny

At the heart of Al-Ahli's attacking efforts stood Ivan Toney, whose performance was nothing short of a masterclass in leading the line. Awarded the Man of the Match with a commanding 9.3 rating, Toney was involved in both Al-Ahli goals, scoring the decisive 90th-minute penalty and assisting Zakaria Hawsawi’s equalizer in the 62nd minute. His influence extended beyond mere goal contributions; Toney won 7 of his 12 duels, showcasing his aerial prowess and ability to hold up the ball under pressure, key attributes that kept Al-Ahli's attacks flowing.

Hawsawi's equalizer was equally pivotal, demonstrating the attacking impetus from deeper positions. His well-taken goal, assisted by Toney, was a crucial turning point, injecting belief into the Al-Ahli ranks after falling behind to Roger Martínez's penalty in the 45th minute. It underscored that threats could emerge from any quarter for Matthias Jaissle's side.

Al-Taawoun's Stubborn Resistance

Pericles Chamusca's Al-Taawoun, however, did not surrender meekly. Their resilience was palpable, particularly in defense. Despite facing a higher volume of attacks, Al-Taawoun's players showed immense determination in their defensive duties, making 20 tackles and boasting an impressive 70% tackle success rate. This defensive resolve kept them in the contest, turning every Al-Ahli attack into a physical battle. Their goal, a penalty by Roger Martínez just before halftime, was a testament to their ability to capitalize on moments, even when under pressure.

Yet, the statistics reveal a team that, while defensively robust, struggled to transition effectively. Al-Taawoun's single successful cross from 5 attempts, compared to Al-Ahli's 3 from 18, highlighted a lack of cutting edge in the final third. They may have had more overall possession with 51%, but it was largely sterile, failing to translate into sustained offensive pressure.

The Enduring Lesson

As Round 15 concludes, leaving 19 more rounds in this thrilling 2025-2026 season, this victory serves as a crucial reaffirmation for Al-Ahli. While Al-Hilal continues to lead by 5 points at the summit with 39 points, Al-Ahli's ability to grind out a win against a resilient opponent, even when the scoreline suggested a tighter affair than the underlying performance, speaks volumes. It's a reminder that championships are not just won through flashy attacking displays, but through the sheer will to keep fighting until the final whistle, a verdict Al-Ahli delivered with conviction today.