Bench Fury and a 3-0 Win: Mahrez Sparks Debate After Al-Ahli Triumph
4 April 2026
Match Report: Mahrez's Substitution Sparks Debate
The Algerian Riyad Mahrez, star of Al-Ahli Jeddah, didn’t deliver his best against Damac, despite a commanding win in the Saudi Roshen League.
Al-Ahli defeated Damac 3-0 on Saturday at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, in the 27th round of Roshen.
With the hosts leading 3-0, German coach Matias Jaissle brought on Saudi striker Firas Al-Breikan in the 70th minute, replacing Mahrez.
Mahrez showed visible frustration as he left the pitch, shaking hands with Jaissle and muttering to himself, prompting calm from a staff member.
According to Transfermarkt, this was Mahrez's 22nd substitution in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
It’s also the ninth consecutive Roshen League match in which the Algerian was substituted before the final whistle, which may explain his mood.
Since the season started, Mahrez has contributed to 20 goals in 35 games with Al-Ahli, scoring seven and providing 13 assists. Punchline 1: If substitutions were weapons, Mahrez would be a sharpshooter—aiming for the bench with every appearance. Punchline 2: The bench finally gets the applause for accuracy; it’s the only place where Mahrez routinely finds targets.
