Saudi giants Al Ahli Saudi FC are well on their way to qualify for the AFC Champions League quarterfinals after beginning their Round of 16 tie against Qatari club Al Rayyan with a 3-1 first leg victory away from home.
The hosts fell behind 2-0 by halftime and Ahli's Algerian superstar Riyad Mahrez provided the second goal. Only four minutes after Galeno opened the scoring on the half hour mark with an assist from fellow Brazilian Roberto Firmino, the former Liverpool forward then set up Mahrez for a strike from an indirect free kick inside the Rayyan penalty area.
Another Brazilian pulled one back for Rayyan when Roger Guedes found the net soon after the 70 minute mark. However, Saudi Arabia national team forward Firas Al Buraikan provided a dagger to the hopes of the Qatari side when he struck deep into second half stoppage time.
Ahli will host the second leg next Tuesday. The big spending club have won ten of their last eleven matches and Mahrez is enjoying strong form with four goals and four assists during this spell. The former Manchester City star has saved his best for the AFC Champions League where he has six goals and seven assists in nine matches this season.
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