Under the floodlights of Alinma Stadium, a peculiar atmosphere settled on the evening of May 16th. The air, thick with the lingering humidity of late spring, hummed not with the frantic energy of a title decider, but with the quiet determination of a team playing for pride, for position, and perhaps, for a statement. News had already filtered through: Al-Nassr, with 82 points after 32 games, were mathematically confirmed champions of the 2025-2026 season. For Al-Ahli, this match against Al-Kholood was no longer about the ultimate prize, but about a professional obligation, a testament to their own unwavering quality.
A Decisive Opening Flourish
From the moment the whistle blew, Al-Ahli played with the assuredness of a team determined to dictate the script, regardless of external narratives. They established an early dominance in possession, holding the ball for 53% of the time, and quickly translated that control into tangible threats. The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute, a clinical finish from Ivan Toney, expertly set up by Franck Kessié. Before Al-Kholood could even gather themselves, the damage was doubled just two minutes later; Kessié once again provided the precise delivery, this time for Saleh Abu Al-Shamat to calmly slot home.
These two rapid-fire goals, both assisted by the masterful Kessié, spoke volumes. Al-Ahli had converted two of their five shots on target, demonstrating a ruthlessness that belied the absence of title pressure. Al-Kholood, already battling in 14th place and without a win in their last five league encounters, found themselves in a familiar struggle, resorting to 18 clearances throughout the game in an attempt to stem the tide.
Midfield Maestros: Kessié and Millot
While Kessié orchestrated from deep with a stellar 94% pass accuracy and his two crucial assists, it was Enzo Millot who truly shone as the match's MVP. Playing the full 90 minutes, Millot was a whirlwind of activity, capping his performance with Al-Ahli's third goal in the 41st minute, a deserved reward for his relentless effort. Beyond his goal, Millot registered an impressive 5 key passes, demonstrating his vision and ability to unlock defenses. His defensive contributions were equally vital, with 4 tackles won, embodying the complete midfielder's display.
The synergy between Kessié and Millot allowed Al-Ahli to dominate the central areas, dictating the tempo and choking Al-Kholood's attempts to build play. Their combined influence transformed possession into purpose, preventing Al-Kholood from gaining any meaningful foothold in the contest.
Al-Ahli's Unyielding Control
The 3-0 scoreline at halftime painted a clear picture of Al-Ahli's ascendancy. They continued their offensive push into the second half, registering a total of 15 shots throughout the match, with two of those rattling the woodwork – a testament to how easily the scoreline could have been even more emphatic. In contrast, Al-Kholood managed only 4 shots, with just 2 on target, never truly testing Al-Ahli's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, who made 2 saves to keep a clean sheet.
Al-Ahli’s professional display was comprehensive. They won 53% of their duels, completed 370 accurate passes out of 420, and exhibited a disciplined defensive shape that stifled any flicker of an Al-Kholood revival. It was a performance that underscored their quality, even if the ultimate prize had slipped away.
Beyond the Title Haze
As the final whistle echoed through Alinma Stadium, sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory, Al-Ahli’s players left the pitch having fulfilled their duty with precision and flair. Ranked 3rd in the league with 72 points, they solidified their position as a formidable force. While the grand narrative of the league title had already been written elsewhere, with Al-Nassr celebrating their triumph, Al-Ahli’s performance was a clear, emphatic declaration of their own unwavering quality, a promise of what might be in seasons to come, even as the confetti settled on another champion’s parade.