Galeno goals, fab fans, Toney, magic Mahrez: How Al Ahli will keep ACL Elite crown

It’s deja vu again for Al Ahli as they prepare to face Japanese opposition in the final of this year’s AFC Champions League Elite.

Twelve months on from their historic triumph against Kawasaki Frontale, the Jeddah giants are back again as they meet the unheralded Machida Zelvia looking to become the first team to win back-to-back continental titles in more than two decades – in fact, since Roshn Saudi League rivals Al Ittihad in 2004 and 2005.

As Matthias Jaissle’s side prepare for the crunch battle, here are five factors that can get them over the line to cement their place in the record books.

——–

Your defence is terrified, Galeno’s on fire!

The Brazilian winger stole the show in last year’s final with a stunner from outside the penalty area to open the scoring for Al Ahli in a 2-0 victory.

However, Galeno has outdone himself this year, with two even better strikes: the first against Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim in the quarter-final, and then the winner against Vissel Kobe in the last four.

While perhaps Galeno hasn’t had the impact he would’ve liked in the RSL this campaign – one goal in 22 appearances – he has proven right at home on the continental stage, with three goals and three assists.

With the chance for another winners’ medal, expect Al Ahli’s man for the grand occasion to be at the heart of his team’s tilt at a second Asian crown.

——–

Jaissle’s tactical acumen

It’s crazy to think that, 18 months ago, Matthias Jaissle was almost leaving his present post. Now, he stands on the verge of even more history, aiming to become the first manager to win successive titles in the AFC Champions League era.

It’s rare air for a coach on any continent and, even throughout this campaign, the German has shown the tactical flexibility to react and respond when things aren’t going his way.

In both the quarter-final and semi-final, Al Ahli have found themselves behind, but Jaissle has been able to tweak their approach to overpower JDT and then Kobe.

Coming up against the unique challenge of a more robust, defensive Machida, Jaissle will undoubtedly believe he is fully prepared to combat.

——–

Sensational support

As they had last year, Al Ahli are fully embracing the centralised Finals again being played in Jeddah. Thus, the advantage of that "12th man" was evident against Kobe, most notably in the second half as the hosts chased an equaliser.

The Al Ahli fans, particularly that imposing green wall behind the goal, have developed a reputation for being one of Asia’s most intimidating and, on Monday, their influence was felt in the come-from-behind victory.

While Kobe looked largely in control in the first half, as Al Ahli began to overpower them in the second half, the noise from the stands played its part in what became a suffocating atmosphere.

With Asia’s premier club trophy on the line on Saturday night in their home city, expect those fantastic home supporters to ratchet that up to 100.

——–

It's Toney Time!

The English superstar has been almost unstoppable in the RSL this season, with 27 goals in as many games to lead the race for the golden boot with five rounds remaining.

In Asia, it was Toney’s scrambled goal against Kobe that proved the winner and sent Al Ahli into a second straight showpiece.

While his output has been down this continental campaign – two goals compared to six last season – there’s no doubt Toney’s impact as a big-game player. He illustrated that in the march to continental glory last time, and all throughout the 2025-26 RSL.

The former Premier League star’s personality is one that feeds off occasions and atmospheres such as this and, when the whips get cracking, expect Toney to be right in the thick of it, either scoring himself or creating space and opportunities for those around him.

For sure, he will be a handful for a Machida defence that hasn’t conceded in all three knockout games and boasts the best defence in this season’s tournament (seven goals conceded in 11 matches).

——–

Magical Mahrez

Even at the ripe old age of 35, there’s few that do it better than Riyad Mahrez. The winger makes it look almost too easy, but that is part of what makes him so dangerous.

As Al Ahli lifted their intensity in the second half against Kobe, it was Mahrez that was dictating the tempo and pulling the strings with that wand of a left boot. Indeed, were it not for a marginal offside call, the Algeria captain would’ve added a goal of his own; the deft touch and finish, a Mahrez trademark, deserved a goal.

Like Toney, he is a player made for the big stage – just check out how Mahrez was the standout in last season’s success, his nine goals in Asia bettered only by Al Hilal captain, and current Asian Player of the Year, Salem Al Dawsari.

Twelve months on, they don’t come any bigger than an Asian Champions League final.

Original Article