Al Rayyan bowed out of the 2024-2025 season AFC Champions League Elite after losing 0-2 to Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in the Round of 16 second leg at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Algerian international Riyad Mahrez secured both goals for Al Ahli in the 77th and 83rd minutes as the hosts advanced to the quarterfinals of the continental tournament with a 5-1 aggregate win.

Al Ahli exhibited significant dominance throughout much of the match, although they faced some pressure from Al Rayyan at the beginning of the second half. This pressure was ultimately alleviated when Mahrez netted his seventh and eighth goals of the competition, securing advancement for his team.

Eight minutes later, Al Rayyan experienced another moment of concern when a slip by Victor allowed Roberto Firmino to seize the opportunity; however, the 38-year-old goalkeeper quickly recovered to thwart his compatriot’s attempt.

Al Ahli maintained their commanding presence with a powerful shot from Ivan Toney, which Victor managed to deflect as Al Rayyan entered halftime on equal footing, still unable to close the gap.

Following the break, the Qatari side displayed increased attacking vigor, particularly through Brazilian forward Roger Guedes, who had one impressive run halted before attempting a long-range shot that was safely gathered by Al Ahli goalkeeper Abdurahman Al Sanbi.

Al Sanbi faced another challenge in the 58th minute when a fierce strike from Romarinho, taken from the edge of the box, required him to push the ball away to safety.

The match called for a moment of brilliance to break the stalemate, which arrived in the 77th minute courtesy of the talented Mahrez. After skillfully controlling a lofted pass from Galeno, Mahrez executed a graceful maneuver to not only gain possession but also to deftly lift the ball over the advancing Victor in a single fluid motion. He then added his second goal in the 83rd minute, ensuring a comfortable victory for Al Ahli.