Al-Ahli vs Al Riyadh: decisive clash in the fifth round of the Saudi Pro League

Al-Ahli Jeddah hosts Al Riyadh this Friday (09/04), at 3 p.m. (Brasília time), at King Abdullah Sports City, for the fifth round of the 2026 Saudi Pro League. The clash stands out as it brings together four Brazilian players at Al-Ahli and puts Brazilian manager Maurício Dulac at the helm of Al Riyadh.

Al-Ahli's motivations ahead of the clash

Al-Ahli enters the match under pressure after two consecutive defeats, currently sitting in seventh place in the table. Despite the poor form, the club maintains a favorable record against their rivals, with six wins in their last nine meetings. Playing at home, where they won 4-0 in their only previous match, the team intends to use the support of their fans to break the streak of setbacks.

Al Riyadh's goals under the leadership of Maurício Dulac

Al Riyadh is trying to find the consistency they still lack in the competition. Following a 1-0 victory over Al Suqoor in the previous round—their first triumph in the current edition of the league—the team has four points from four matches, sitting in 12th place. Brazilian manager Maurício Dulac, who led the team to victory against NEOM, seeks to repeat the positive result away from home.

Brazilians on the pitch: four names at Al-Ahli

Al-Ahli counts on Roger Ibañez, Galeno, Matheus Gonçalves, and Ricardo Mathias, all of whom are Brazilian. Ibañez plays in defense, while Galeno and Gonçalves make up the attack alongside young center-forward Ricardo Mathias, signed at the end of 2025 after a spell at Internacional. The presence of these players raises the level of competitiveness of the clash.

Probable lineups and key points

For Al-Ahli, the probable lineup includes Édouard Mendy in goal, with a defense of Sulaiman, Demiral, Ibañez, and Al Hawsawi. In midfield, Al-Johani and Edoa could direct the play, while Trincão, Spertsyan, and Galeno play in attack, with Toney as the focal point.

For Al Riyadh, Milan Borjan should start in goal, followed by Hazazi, Abascal, Al-Khaibari, and Al-Essa in defense. The midfield could feature Al Jayzani, Mensah, Lekhal, and Okou, while Trezeguet and Antunes complete the attacking line.

Where to watch and betting options

The clash will be broadcast live on the channels indicated in betting applications, which also provide real-time data upon a minimum deposit of 5 reais. Betting is restricted to those over 18 years old, in accordance with the Ministry of Finance warning.

Expectations for the result

The clash promises to be intense, with the efficiency of the attacks and the solidity of the defenses acting as decisive factors. Al-Ahli seeks to regain confidence and climb the standings, while Al Riyadh wants to build on their positive run and gain more stability in the competition.

With information from Correio Braziliense, Lance!.