Mahrez's Magic Keeps Rolling: Al-Ahli Clinches a 4-1 Win and a Historic 30-Assists Milestone

Mahrez Delivers Again for Al-Ahli

The Algerian star Riyad Mahrez kept shining for Al-Ahli, guiding them to a commanding 4-1 victory over Al-Najma on Thursday night, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Pro League.

The win propelled Al-Ahli to 53 points, briefly lifting them into second place on goal difference behind leaders Al-Hilal as the round’s outcomes continued to unfold.

Mahrez needed only 21 minutes into the second half to stamp his mark with two decisive assists; a precise cross set up Valentin Atangana for the opener in the 48th minute, and 21 minutes later he delivered a perfect pass to England’s Ivan Tony at the doorstep, giving the hosts the lead and sealing the result.

That burst of creativity yielded a historic milestone for the Algerian, lifting his tally to 30 assists for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League since the league’s professional era began in 2008-09, making him the club’s second-highest playmaker in the competition.

He closed in on the top mark held by Taiseer Al-Jasem at 41 assists, with 12 more passes needed to tie the legendary record.

Punchline: If assists were jokes, Mahrez would headline the stand-up circuit. Punchline 2: His vision is so sharp that even the defense checks the replay and still can’t believe it.