'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Al-Ahli visit the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Monday to face Al-Rayyan in the AFC Champions League, looking to make it three wins in a row. The Saudi side, along with local rivals Al-Hilal, are currently the only ones with a 100% win record in the West Region.
In their opening game, the Royals beat Iranian outfit Persepolis 1-0, courtesy of an early goal from Franck Kessie. They then overcame Al-Wasl after Riyad Mahrez and Roger Ibanez struck apiece in the first half to hand them a 2-0 victory.
While their league results have been mixed, Matthias Jaissle's side have looked solid in the AFC Champions League thus far, and emerged as early contenders for the last 16.
On the contrary, their rivals from Qatar have lost both their games in the competition, and sit rock-bottom in the standings without a single point in the bag. Al-Hilal handed them a baptism of fire by inflicting a 3-1 loss upon them, before Al-Nassr beat them 2-1.
But good things may be on the horizon. After going six games without a win in all competitions, the Lions saw off Al-Khor in the Qatar Stars League on Friday. Roger Guedes struck the winner in the 82nd minute to earn them a 2-1 victory.
Al-Rayyan vs Al-Ahli Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first official clash between the sides in history.
- Al-Ahli have faced four Qatari sides in the past, in a total of 20 games, winning only six matches while losing six.
- Al-Rayyan have also played four teams from the Saudi Pro League, totaling 19 games against them, but won on a meager three occasions while losing 13 times.
- The Lions have won just once from their last seven games, although that win came in their most recent outing, a 2-1 defeat of Al-Khor in the Qatar Stars League.
- After winning back-to-back games, the Royals have won just twice in their next five.
Al-Rayyan vs Al-Ahli Prediction
It's a game featuring one of the top-ranked sides in the Champions League against one of the lowest-ranked. The home team have looked toothless and vulnerable in the competition thus far, while their rivals from the Saudi Pro League have dispatched their opponents with aplomb. Barring an implosion, the Royals should win this one comfortably.
Prediction: Al-Rayyan 0-2 Al-Ahli
Al-Rayyan vs Al-Ahli Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Al-Ahli to win
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No
