ALGIERS, Algeria (Interstat) — MC Alger opened its Algerian Ligue 1 season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Paradou AC on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Stade du 20 Août 1955, defying a pre-match projection that foresaw a closer contest.

The visiting side controlled the match from the outset, translating its dominance into a decisive lead before halftime. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when substitute Zakaria Naidji found the back of the net, giving MC Alger a lead it would not relinquish. The goal was assisted by midfielder Salah Eddine Bouziani.

Paradou AC, playing at home, struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure against a disciplined MC Alger defense. The host’s frustrations grew as the match progressed, evident in a series of second-half yellow cards. Paradou AC’s Sid Ahmed Lahmer was booked in the 84th minute, followed by a caution for teammate Abdellah Bendouma deep into stoppage time.

MC Alger sealed the victory with a second goal from another substitute, Mohamed Saliou Bangoura. His strike, assisted by fellow substitute Ayoub Abdellaoui, provided the final margin and confirmed the three points for the visitors. The assist was Abdellaoui’s second of the match.

The match was a physical affair, with MC Alger also receiving two yellow cards. Bouziani was cautioned in the 35th minute, just moments before his assist on the opening goal, and Abdellaoui was booked in the 66th minute.

The result improved MC Alger’s record to one win and no losses to start the Ligue 1 campaign, while Paradou AC began its season with one loss and no wins. The records for both clubs across all competitions this season mirror their league standings.

The outcome contrasted with the pre-game analysis from Interstat. The organization’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gave MC Alger a 72 percent probability of winning. The actual performance exceeded that expectation, with MC Alger securing a clean-sheet victory.

Key performances from MC Alger’s substitutes proved decisive. Both Naidji and Bangoura came off the bench to score, while Abdellaoui contributed two assists. Bouziani orchestrated play from midfield, registering an assist alongside his early yellow card.

The match marked a successful start for MC Alger under the lights in the capital, while Paradou AC will look to regroup after a season-opening defeat in front of its home supporters.