Auckland FC stepped into what was probably the
most hostile environment they had ever played in, with the home supporters unveiling a pre-match tifo telling their players to “snatch it”.
Sam Cosgrove was sent off for a reckless challenge late in the second half. Photo / Getty Images
Fortunately for Al-Ahli fans, their team did just that in the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The quality Al-Ahli had in their ranks was clear to see early in the game, with Ivan Toney, Galeno and Francisco Trincao regularly probing the Auckland FC defence.
The impressive front three, combined with the wall of noise Al-Ahli fans produced throughout the match, could give even the most experienced players nightmares.
However, it was clear to see the impact Pedro Moreira has had on this team during his short time in charge.
Hiroki Sakai was forced off early in the second half. Photo / Getty Images
The visitors would quickly assemble into a compact defensive formation to stifle the home team’s attacks and slow down the play.
Al-Ahli would find the occasional gap, though, particularly down Auckland FC’s right-hand side and take advantage of a new-look defensive partnership between captain Hiroki Sakai and debutant Aaron Calver, something that should develop throughout the season.
Michael Woud was one of the standout performers from the first half, pulling off spectacular saves when called upon, with Al-Ahli taking wicked shots from deep.
Auckland FC had their share of chances, taking time with intricate passing during their build-up play but found more success with a direct approach.
Logan Rogerson had the best chance of the half, picking the ball up off a long ball on the left-hand side of the box after his defender fell over, but was left with almost too much time and space and produced an effort which was never going to trouble an experienced goalkeeper like Edouard Mendy.
The New Zealand side could be pleased with how the first half had panned out, but things took a turn for the worse with Sakai being forced off with an injury soon after play resumed.
It was down that right-hand defensive flank where Auckland FC unravelled, with Eduard Spertsyan flying down the flank in seemingly unlimited space after Callan Elliot went flying into a challenge which produced nothing, then laying the ball off to substitute Saleh Abu Alshamat to calmly slot the ball past Woud.
Auckland FC return home to New Zealand to continue their preparations for the upcoming A-League season. Photo / Getty Images
Falling behind forced Auckland FC to play with more urgency and be faster at moving the ball up field which helped to open the game up at both ends.
A lack of control and finesse in the final third stifled their attacks and a red card for Sam Cosgrove didn’t help their cause.
The striker left his foot out following through on a challenge in the middle of the park, which saw his studs slam into Valentin Atangana’s shin and he had little complaint about being given his marching orders.
The visitors struggled to create many chances after that, but fans can take promising signs from the fixture.
The defensive play was solid overall and there is a clear identity in how Moreira wants his team to build up their attacks, they just need to be more clinical in front of goal.
In the end, it didn’t matter how effective the defence was. One mistake was always going to be punished by a team of Al-Ahli’s quality.
The Saudi club will play South African club Mamelodi Sundowns in the next round of the Intercontinental Cup, while Auckland FC return to New Zealand to prepare their A-League title defence.
Al-Ahli Saudi FC 1 (Saleh Abu Alshamat 63)
Auckland FC 0
HT: 0-0