Al Ahli Beat Diriyah 1-0 in Pusic's SPL Debut

Al Ahli launched their 2026–27 Roshn Saudi Pro League campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 away win over newly promoted Diriyah Club on 13 August 2026 in Riyadh, opening matchweek one with three points.

The decisive goal came in the 25th minute through Eduard Spertsyan, whose strike proved enough to separate the two sides at Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium. The result left Al Ahli with a perfect record of one win and no defeats or draws at the very start of the new season.

The fixture carried added significance as the first competitive match for head coach Marino Pusic, who was appointed on 6 August 2026 on a contract running through 2028. The opening-day victory offered an early positive sign for the club under its new leadership.

For Diriyah Club, the match marked their debut in the Saudi top flight after earning promotion ahead of the 2026–27 season. Despite the loss, the newly promoted side gave a competitive account of themselves against one of the league's established names.

What it means for fans

The opening weekend signals the start of another packed Saudi Pro League season, with clubs across the Kingdom kicking off their campaigns. Fans planning to attend matches can typically buy digital tickets through club and league ticketing portals linked to national digital identity, with entry verified at stadium gates. Kickoff times, ticket categories, and prices vary by stadium and fixture, so supporters are advised to check official ticketing channels for each match.

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