League Stage
Al Ahli Saudi kicked off their title defence in style, cruising to a 4-2 win against Uzbekistan's PFC Nasaf before surprisingly being held to a 2-2 draw by Al Duhail SC of Qatar.

It was business as usual on Matchday Three, with Al Gharafa SC on the receiving end of a 4-0 defeat with Al Sadd SC then beaten 2-1 as Al Ahli Saudi completed back-to-back wins against teams from Qatar.

Their victorious run, however, was halted by a shock 1-0 defeat to Sharjah FC - having gone undefeated in their 2024/25 title-winning campaign.

It proved to be a momentary setback as Al Ahli Saudi were firing on all cylinders in their next match, a 5-0 win against Iraq's Al Shorta.

Al Wahda proved to be more defensively resilient, holding the defending champions to a goalless draw but a thrilling 4-3 win against Shabab Al Ahli meant Al Ahli Saudi - for the second season running - finished as the West Zone League Stage runners-up.

Round of 16
Awaiting them in the Round of 16 were Al Duhail, who had held Al Ahli Saudi to a draw in the League Stage and the Qatari side produced another gritty performance.

A moment of magic from Riyad Mahrez, however, settled the tie with the former Manchester City winger's stunning free-kick keeping Al Ahli right on track.

Quarter-final
The last eight tie against Johor Darul Ta'zim was another hard-fought affair, with Al Ahli Saudi having to come from behind for a 2-1 triumph.

The Malaysian side took the lead in the 19th minute through Ali Majrashi's own goal, with the right-back then sent off minutes later for dangerous play.

Al Ahli Saudi refused to concede defeat, with Franck Kessie rising high to nod home the equaliser just before the break and a Galeno stunner in the 54th minute completed the comeback win.

Semi-final
Vissel Kobe were up next and despite AL Ahli Saudi dominating, it was the Japanese side who opened the scoring through Yoshinori Muto in the 31st minute.

Al Ahli Saudi, as they did against Johor Darul Tazim, roared in response and their quality of play after the break left Vissel Kobe gasping.

Galeno, with yet another trademark strike, drew them level in the 62nd minute with Ivan Toney then threading home the Brazilian's cross past three defenders for the winning goal as the champions moved within a match of retaining their title.