A Night of Resolve: Galino Sparks Al Ahli Jeddah’s Comeback Win
22 November 2025
Match recap: Galino leads Al Ahli past Qadisiyah
The Brazilian winger Wenderson Galino expressed happiness after guiding Al Ahli Jeddah to a 2-1 victory over Qadisiyah at the Al Enma Stadium in the Saudi Pro League on Friday night. He opened the scoring and returned to the starting lineup after more than two months out with an injury.
In a postmatch interview, Galino said his main aim is for the team to win and to make the fans proud. He praised the collective effort and the fighting spirit, acknowledging that Qadisiyah is a strong opponent which made the three points especially valuable.
He also reflected on his goal resembling a finish against Kawasaki Frontale in last May’s AFC Champions League Elite final, calling it one of his strengths and noting that supporters have started noticing these moments. He emphasized modesty, yet his pleasure in continuing to contribute to the team.
Returning to the pitch after a lengthy layoff, Galino said he felt fine and thanked everyone for the support during his absence. He signaled that the squad deserves some rest before a big Monday fixture and looked ahead to the upcoming challenge.
Looking forward, he referenced the upcoming clash with Sharjah in the fifth round of the Elite AFC Champions League, stressing focus and readiness for another tough test.
Injury saga, medical shake up, and the rise of Galino
The forward had initially suffered a setback ahead of the Nasaf Qarshi clash in September, delaying his return to competitive action in the Elite Champions League group stage.
Reports described a misdiagnosis that prolonged his absence, prompting the Al Ahli board under chairman Khaled Al Gamdi to overhaul the medical department. The move sparked internal discussions about how best to handle such injuries and protect player welfare.
Since the issue emerged, the team has faced challenges in the attack, underscoring Galino’s value as a key creator in big matches for coach Jaissle. A recent image caption from the era has underscored his return and ongoing role in the side’s offensive plans.
Galino’s presence has become a focal point as the team navigates the season, and his return is seen as essential to maintaining momentum in league and continental competition.
Eid Al Mold and red card talk
Eid Al Mold, a midfield teammate, voiced support for Ziad Aljehani after a late first half red card against the Portuguese Otavio in his 100th appearance with The Royals. He said the victory was built on spirit and perseverance and that missing players can galvanize the squad. He praised Aljehani as a great player and expressed confidence in his mental recovery after the setback.
The campaign has seen a notable number of red cards in the Saudi league, with 16 issued so far this season, nearly two per round. Aljehani has already been sent off twice, including the latest vs Qadisiyah, which will rule him out for the next game against Damac. Other players with red cards include Kalidou Koulibaly, a few teammates, and a set of defenders from different clubs.
Leaders in red cards this season are Al Ittihad and Damac, each with three. Al Ahli sits with two red cards attributed to Aljehani, while several clubs have one. The report also notes that some teams have managed to limit dismissals to just one per season, illustrating a wide disparity across the league.
In sum, the match highlighted not only a key victory for Al Ahli but also a broader narrative about injuries, disciplinary struggles, and the persistence of a squad chasing glory. Punchlines to finish: If defense is optional, Galino will still collect the receipts for the goals. And if red cards were currency, this league would fund a small nation with all the fines collected this season.
