Mahrez calls for focus in seven-star Al Ahli title tilt | OneFootball

Riyad Mahrez has urged Al Ahli to remain focused in their quest to challenge for the Roshn Saudi League trophy after they moved back into second on Saturday night.

The Asian champions have embarked on a sublime run of results recently, with the 3-0 victory at NEOM Sports Club making it seven successive top-flight wins.

Ivan Toney continued his own brilliant stretch with the opener in Tabuk from the penalty spot, lifting him to 15 RSL goals for the season. He sits second in the 2025-26 scoring charts, behind only two-time golden boot winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who has found the net 16 times this term.

Mahrez got in on act himself on Saturday, sweeping home a well-worked free-kick from the edge of the NEOM SC penalty area. Enzo Millot then made safe the result midway through the second half, with all Al Ahli’s goals coming in a stunning 12-minute period.

The win saw Matthias Jaissle’s men jump back into second at the expense of Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and draw to within four points of Al Hilal at the summit.

Yet to play in Matchweek 18, Al Hilal travel to Al Riyadh on Sunday while Al Nassr host fifth-placed Al Taawoun 24 hours later.

“Thanks to God, we're happy,” Mahrez said following the NEOM SC victory. “The most important for us is to take the three points and to keep going. That's what we did today.

“Maybe we didn't play as good in the first half; the second half we changed few things and we were better."

On his team's superb seven-game spell, the Al Ahli winger said: “Yes, it's not easy. You have to stay focused. Every three days you have a game, a tough game, because every opponent gives you something difficult or different.

“We have to recover, celebrate a bit tonight with the team and then, tomorrow, think about the next game.”

Al Ahli are again in action on Wednesday, when they host Al Ettifaq.