When the Derby Dared to Decide: Mahrez Delivers as Al-Ahli Edge Al-Ittihad 1-0
9 November 2025
Derby Drama and Referee Debate
The Jeddah derby lived up to its hype as Al-Ahli edged Al-Ittihad 1-0 at the Al-Inma Stadium, with Algerian star Riyad Mahrez striking the winner to seal the points in Round 8 of the Saudi Pro League.
Post-match, Egyptian match official analyst Essam Abdel Fattah weighed in on several incidents, saying Merih Demiral of Al-Ahli deserved a red card for a violent challenge on Karim Benzema that blocked a clear goal opportunity. He also noted a later midfield foul by the same player that should have earned a yellow.
There was a brief pause for video review, but the discussion continued as analysts debated responsibility and punishment for on-field actions beyond the final whistle.
Key Figures and Aftermath
In contrast, fellow Egyptian referee expert Mohamed Kamal Risha told the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh that Polish referee Simon Marciniak managed the derby well and that the match did not throw up any headline-grabbing controversies.
Risha praised the decision not to award a late penalty in the 86th minute for Al-Ittihad, arguing that a defender’s handball was in a natural position and play should continue. The Polish official was rated highly—8.5 by Risha for his overall performance—though he criticized several disciplinary decisions that were missed, including a potential yellow for Houssem Aouar of Al-Ittihad and Demiral after a 31st-minute altercation, as well as a late challenge by Moussa Diaby that went unpunished.
Al-Ahli taints and triumphs
The victory kept Al-Ahli’s dominance over their rivals in the Saudi Pro League alive, with the victory tally against Al-Ittihad climbing in the league’s history since 2008. The side has also notched similar results against other clubs in the region, including the Eastern Province heavyweights, while maintaining a robust record against most opponents across this campaign.
Mahrez shines in the derby
Riyad Mahrez, starring for Al-Ahli, earned the highest SofaScore rating for the derby, finishing with an 8.5 score after finding the back of the net. Teammate Roger Ibanez was a close second on 7.7, followed by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendyl on 7.5. Danilo Pereira earned 7.3, and Ali Majrashi received 7.2 for his contribution on the night.
French winger Moussa Diaby finished with 6.2 as part of a generally disciplined display from Al-Ahli’s lineup, while Roger Fernandes and other teammates trimmed the margin with solid performances elsewhere on the pitch.
Yaissle’s green city
German coach Matthias Jaissle spoke after the match, praising the players’ sacrifices and the collective effort which, he argued, was the true key to victory. He de-emphasized tactical tinkering in favor of a building-block approach, stressing that Porto-like chess moves are not the aim of the day-to-day work. He also defended his decision not to call up Ivan Tony, pointing to league rules regarding foreign players on matchday rosters and a desire to avoid unnecessary disruption.
Forward momentum for Jaissle and the club
Jaissle’s leadership has helped Al-Ahli replicate last season’s success on the domestic stage, with the club looking to translate continental triumphs into league dominance. The Polish referee’s night, and the surrounding debate, underscored the ongoing conversation about officiating in a high-stakes derby atmosphere.
In short, the match delivered drama, debate, and a winner’s taste for Al-Ahli, leaving fans and pundits alike consulting their notes for the next round of the Saudi Pro League. If humor is a factor, tonight’s refereeing discourse proved once again that the biggest drama in football sometimes happens off the pitch—and the scoreboard still speaks the loudest.
