Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A clinical double from Riyad Mahrez propelled Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli SC to a 2-0 victory over Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC on Tuesday, securing a 5-1 aggregate triumph and a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 quarter-finals. Despite Al Ahli’s early dominance, Al Rayyan threatened repeatedly in the second half before Mahrez’s late heroics dashed Qatari hopes. The hosts, buoyed by a roaring crowd, launched waves of attacks early on, with Al Rayyan goalkeeper Paulo Victor denying efforts from Galeno and Mahrez. Al Rayyan narrowly avoided an own goal in the 20th minute when Merih Demiral inadvertently cleared Roger Ibañez’s header off the line. Victor redeemed himself after an earlier slip, thwarting Roberto Firmino’s close-range shot. Al Ahli maintained pressure, but a resilient Al Rayyan defense held firm until halftime. The Qatari side emerged reinvigorated after the break, with Roger Guedes spearheading attacks. His powerful run and long-range strike forced a save from Al Ahli keeper Abdurahman Al Sanbi, who later parried a fierce Romarinho effort in the 58th minute. The deadlock was finally broken in the 77th minute as Mahrez elegantly controlled Galeno’s lob, spun past defenders, and chipped the ball over Victor. He sealed the win six minutes later with a composed finish, cementing Al Ahli’s progression and extending his tournament tally to eight goals.