Mahrez aims to land first Asian Champions League for Al Ahli

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Riyad Mahrez has vowed Al Ahli will “fight for every second” to deliver a first Asian Champions League trophy for the Saudi club, when they contest the final against Japan´s Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday.

Al Ahli, effectively the home team since the final stages have taken place in Jeddah, are competing in the showpiece for a second time in the Champions League era having lost to South Korea´s Ulsan Hyundai in 2012.

However, they remain unbeaten in this season´s competition. Speaking on Friday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Mahrez said Al Ahli are aware of the expectations surrounding the club, especially given that they will enjoy a raucous backing at their home stadium.

“Of course, we feel everything around the final,” the former Manchester City player said. “You can take the positive of this fervour, all these people behind us. “The positive is to motivate you to give everything for all these fans who deserve it and never won the Champions League. And we want to achieve something as a team as well with everyone who is working in the club who deserve this.

“That´s why we´re going to fight for everything, every minute, every second of the game, to lift the trophy.” Mahrez, a Champions League winner in Europe with City in 2023, leads the tournament in assists, with eight, while a goal in the final would draw him level at the top of the scoring charts on 10.

The Algerian is hugely decorated having also won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with his country. “This is a trophy, but in another continent, in Asia,” Mahrez said. “I´ve been lucky enough to play in teams that won a lot of trophies with big players, but when you play any trophy, any cup, it´s always exciting. “I´m really looking forward to it. I really want to win a trophy with this team, with this club and, like I said, I will give everything tomorrow.”