Al-Ahli edged newly promoted Diriyah Club 1-0 in Riyadh as Edward Spirtsyan scored the decisive goal.
The new Saudi Pro League season has officially kicked off, with Al-Ahli making a winning start after securing a narrow victory over newly promoted Diriyah Club in Riyadh.
Al-Ahli claimed a 1-0 triumph in a closely contested opening fixture, denying Diriyah Club a positive result in its first-ever appearance in the Saudi Pro League. The result gives Al-Ahli an early boost as the club begins its campaign with ambitions of competing near the top of the standings.
The only goal of the match came in the 25th minute when midfielder Edward Spirtsyan found the breakthrough. His effort proved decisive as Al-Ahli successfully protected its advantage for the remainder of the contest.
Diriyah Club, competing in the Saudi Pro League for the first time, struggled to turn its opportunities into an equaliser. Despite its efforts to respond after falling behind, the newly promoted side was unable to find the net before the final whistle.
For Al-Ahli, the victory continues the momentum generated by a highly successful previous campaign. The club lifted the Asian Champions League Elite title last season for the second consecutive time, strengthening its reputation as one of the leading teams in the region.
However, Al-Ahli will be looking to improve its domestic standing this season after finishing third in the Saudi Pro League last term. The club is expected to target a stronger league campaign while attempting to maintain its continental dominance.
The opening victory against Diriyah Club provides an encouraging start to those ambitions. Although the margin was slim, Al-Ahli demonstrated the ability to secure all three points in a competitive fixture.
Meanwhile, Diriyah Club will have to regroup quickly as it prepares for its next league challenge. The newly promoted team will aim to build on its first experience in the top flight and secure its first points of the season.
With the Saudi Pro League now underway, attention will turn to how Al-Ahli builds on its opening victory and whether it can convert its continental success into a serious domestic title challenge.