Derby Day Drama: Mahrez Guides a Quiet but Fiery Jeddah Clash
8 November 2025
Derby Day, Cautious yet Charged
In a city of two clubs and one heatwave, Al Ahli fought to a 1-0 victory over Al Ittihad in the eighth round of the Saudi Pro League. Riyad Mahrez struck the decisive goal, giving the home side a valuable win as they climbed to 16 points, while the visitors remained on 11 points in eighth place.
The match, hyped as a fiery showdown between the giants, delivered a much more restrained tactical affair. From the first whistle, both teams prioritized discipline over flamboyance, keeping the ball mostly in midfield and rarely testing the goalkeepers.
Opportunities were sparse, with few moments of individual brilliance that could alter the flow of the game. Even star players did not drag the game into a higher gear, leaving the Derby Day feeling more like a measured chess match than a sprint to glory.
As the clock ticked, fans watched a relatively orderly duel unfold, punctuated by occasional alerts and near misses, but never a flood of chances. The crowd's fervor remained high, underscoring the derby's importance even when the football did not explode with drama.
In the stands, the atmosphere roared with banners and tifos reflecting a long running rivalry. Ahli fans recalled past derbies, while Ittihad supporters fired back with bold statements, a reminder that football culture here runs deep and loud.
Key Moments and Aftermath
The turning point arrived when Mahrez found the net, vaulting Ahli ahead and anchoring the result. Mahrez's goal not only sealed three points but also provided a morale boost for the home side as they push toward the upper half of the table.
Under coach Mattias Jaissle, Ahli look to sustain this momentum, while Ittihad must regroup and rediscover the spark that has powered their push this season. The result widened the gap in the all-time head-to-head series, with Ahli increasing their advantage in league play.
Ahli fans celebrated a long-awaited win that further dents the visitors' optimism. The match also served as a reminder that in this fierce rivalry, the past can subtly shade the present.
Punchline 1: If this derby had a referee, it would be paid in popcorn and yellow cards for overexcited fans.
Punchline 2: In Jeddah, even the heat takes a timeout, yet the football still finds a way to bring the fans to their feet.
