Al-Ahli's Bold Attack Against Al-Riyadh in Saudi League Clash

Marino Pusic has shown his hand. On a hot Saudi Friday, the Al-Ahli coach has rolled out a front line that screams intent rather than caution.

Ivan Toney leads the attack, flanked by Francisco Trincao and Wanderson Galeno in a bold trident for this fifth-round clash against Al-Riyadh in the Saudi league. It is a setup that leaves little doubt: Al-Ahli are here to dictate, not react.

Behind them, creativity and control sit at the heart of Pusic’s plan. Edward Spertsyan and Artem Bondarenko operate in midfield alongside Valentin Atangana, a trio built to keep the ball moving quickly and feed that aggressive front three. Out wide and at the back, Rayan Hamed and Saad Balobaid patrol the flanks, with Mohammed Bakr and Roger Ibanez forming the central defensive pairing in front of Edouard Mendy, the experienced anchor in goal.

Al-Ahli XI: Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Mohammed Bakr, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana, Artem Bondarenko, Edward Spertsyan; Francisco Trincao, Wanderson Galeno, Ivan Toney.

Across from them, Al-Riyadh answer with a more measured, compact look. Milan Borjan starts in goal, shielded by Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal and Sulaiman Hazazi in a back line clearly built to absorb pressure and stay organised.

In midfield, Fahad Jizani and Victor Lekhal provide the engine, while Teddy Okou and Issam Bahri look to link play and break whenever Al-Ahli overcommit. Hassan Al-Ali offers the outlet up front, the man expected to make the most of any rare space behind Pusic’s adventurous setup.

Al-Riyadh XI: Milan Borjan; Sultan Al-Issa, Abdelilah Al-Khaibari, Rodrigo Abascal, Sulaiman Hazazi; Fahad Jizani, Victor Lekhal; Teddy Okou, Issam Bahri, Hassan Al-Ali.

One side loaded with attacking firepower, the other braced to withstand it. With Toney, Trincao and Galeno ready to press high and probe early, Al-Riyadh know exactly what is coming. The question is whether their structure can hold once the first wave hits.