The brilliant Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez, the rock of Al-Ahli Saudi Club’s defense, expressed his great happiness and pride in the heroic performance that his team presented against their Iraqi counterpart, Al-Shorta, which ended with a sweeping victory of five goals to nil, in the match that brought the two teams together as part of the sixth round of the AFC Champions League.
In a press statement following the final whistle, Ibanez praised the vibrant atmosphere created by the fans, saying, “It was truly wonderful to see the fans here. Thank you so much to them. I know they are very passionate about us, and we are truly grateful to all Al-Ahli fans.” These remarks underscore the close relationship between the players of Al-Ahli and their supporters, whose stands are considered among the most influential in Asia.
High ambitions and positive pressure
The Brazilian star addressed the challenges facing the team, noting that past successes raise expectations. He continued, "Winning the Elite Cup last season puts pressure on us, yes, of course, so we need to maintain the same level. We performed well last year and we want to perform well this year as well." This statement reflects Ibañez's professionalism and his desire to maintain the winning streak and compete for all available titles.
Al-Ahli dominance in the Asian tournament
This victory holds special significance beyond just the three points; the resounding 5-0 win sends a powerful message from Al-Ahli to all their Asian rivals, declaring that the "Castle of Cups" is determined to go far in the new edition of the AFC Champions League. Credit is due to the defensive system, led by Ibanez, for keeping a clean sheet against a strong team like Al-Shorta of Iraq, which boosts confidence in the team's back line, complementing their potent attack.
The context of the championship and future aspirations
This match comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing a tremendous surge in both player recruitment and technical performance. Al-Ahli is considered one of the leading contenders for the continental title, thanks to its constellation of stars. The new format of the "Asian Elite" tournament is a true test of clubs' resilience and consistency, something Al-Ahli has demonstrated so far through its impressive results in the group stage. The team is progressing steadily towards the knockout rounds, supported by a large fan base and a sophisticated style of play under its coaching staff.
