October's Five-Game Gauntlet: Will Al-Ahli Jeddah Reclaim the Crown?
1 octobre 2025
October is set to be a busy, defining month for Al-Ahli Jeddah, as the Green enter a three-front assault: the Saudi Pro League, the Asian Elite Champions League for 2025-2026, and the King’s Cup. Fans hope October becomes a fresh start after a run of mixed results domestically and in Asia. A second October break, to accommodate Saudi Arabia's World Cup qualification playoff against Indonesia and Iraq in Jeddah, gives the squad a rare breather before the run-in.
When play resumes, Al-Ahli will face five consecutive challenges that could shape their season, testing depth, fitness, and the leadership of head coach Matthias Jaissle.
October Begins with a Revenge Mission and a Continental Test
On October 17, Al-Ahli host Al-Shabab in a league clash that carries extra weight after last season's costly 1-3 reversal. Al-Ahli sit seventh with eight points after two wins and two draws, while Al-Shabab sit twelfth with four points, heightening both sides' desire to climb the table. Al-Ahli's form has been a mix of resolve and realism: a win over Neom, a goalless draw with Al-Ettifaq, a comeback draw with Al-Hilal in the derby, and a win against Al-Hazm, offering a blueprint of what Jaissle wants from his squad in the battles ahead.Five-Paced Clashes: Domestic, Continental, and Cup Drama
Three days later, on October 20, Al-Ahli welcome Al-Gharafa of Qatar in the Elite Asia group stage. Al-Ahli have four points from a big 4-2 win over Nasaf Qarshi and a 2-2 draw with Al-Duhail. Al-Gharafa sit third with three points, making the match a tight, high-stakes affair as both teams chase progression. The match will test the balance between domestic duties and continental ambition and could set the tone for the rest of the month.Month-Long Test and Cup Knot
On October 23, Al-Ahli travel away to face Al-Najma in the league, a side still seeking form. A slip could knock momentum, so Jaissle's men must stay compact and focused, especially given that mid-table challengers can bite on the road. Four days later, October 27, Al-Ahli returns to cup action with a King’s Cup last-16 tie at Al-Batin. The knockout format leaves little room for error as Al-Ahli aim to move forward.Month End Closer and Schedule at a Glance
October closes with a home date on October 30 against Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League, a chance to finish strong and build confidence heading into November.October Schedule for Al-Ahli
17 October: Al-Ahli × Al-Shabab (Saudi Pro League)
20 October: Al-Ahli × Al-Gharafa (Asian Elite Champions League)
23 October: Al-Najma × Al-Ahli (Saudi Pro League)
27 October: Al-Batin × Al-Ahli (King’s Cup)
30 October: Al-Ahli × Al-Riyadh (Saudi Pro League)
Punchline 1: If October delivers as planned, Jaissle’s clipboard will need a vacation longer than the players’ legs.
Punchline 2: My calendar just filed a restraining order against Al-Ahli: it says October is too good to be true—sniper-level precision, folks.
