JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Feb. 16, 2026) (Interstat) — Al Ahli Saudi Club opened its AFC Champions League campaign with a 4-3 victory over Shabab Al Ahli on Monday, overcoming a significant pregame projection to win at Al Inma Stadium.

The home side took an early lead through forward Feras Al Brikan in the 12th minute, but the visitors from the United Arab Emirates responded with goals from Bogdan Planić and Enzo Millot to lead 2-1 at halftime. Substitute Breno then delivered a decisive second-half brace for Al Ahli Saudi Club, scoring in the 66th and 78th minutes to reclaim the lead. Mohammed Jumah added a late insurance goal in stoppage time before Shabab Al Ahli’s Saleh Waheeb scored a final consolation.

The result defied statistical models, which heavily favored Shabab Al Ahli to win. Al Ahli Saudi Club begins the tournament with a win, while Shabab Al Ahli starts with a loss.