Video: Ahmed Ateef Declares Al-Ahli's Derby Win Could Start a Title Run
25 January 2026
Jaissle's identity and the derby test
The former Saudi football star Ahmed Ateef believes Al-Ahli could be the Roshen Saudi Pro League title favorite if they beat arch-rivals Al-Hilal in Monday's clash at the Kingdom Arena in round 20.
Ateef says Al-Ahli’s potential title tilt hinges on how they perform in the derby, which will shape the direction of the league race.
He credits German coach Matthias Jaissle with rebuilding the team’s identity by pushing higher into the final third to exploit spaces in the opponents’ defenses.
“(Matthias) Jaissle has found the identity that makes Al-Ahli strong by returning to the final third and exploiting the spaces in the opponents’ defenses,” Ateef stated.
“Now he does this against all opponents. In the beginning, he did it with teams like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Qadsiah, but now he’s doing the same against smaller rivals, leveraging players like Riyad Mahrez and Galeno.”
Al-Ahli’s recent 3-0 win over Neom came in the 18th round at King Khalid Sports City in Tabuk, a result Ateef cited as evidence of the system’s growing effectiveness.
He added: “If you look at the statistics, possession belonged to Neom and shots were even, but Al-Ahli were the more dangerous on goal due to finishing efficiency and the numerical advantage, thanks to Jaissle.”
“Earlier, Jaissle tried many methods, but after the break he found the identity, returning to the final third and turning spaces into impact.”
Ateef concluded: “Al-Ahli are title contenders after Al-Hilal and ahead of Al-Qadsiyah and Al-Nasr; beating Al-Hilal would make them the primary candidate for the crown.”
It’s worth noting that Al-Ahli sit second in the Saudi Pro League with 40 points, four behind leaders Al-Hilal, who have a game in hand against Al-Riyadh in round 18.
