Five goals. Not a single one in return. Al Ahli Saudi FC didn't just win against Al Shorta; they utterly dismantled them on their own turf in Baghdad, securing their place in the AFC Champions League Elite's Round of 16 with two matches still left to play. The reigning champions showed up, and boy, did they deliver.

A Powerhouse Performance

Al Ahli's emphatic victory boosted them to 13 points, ensuring a top-eight finish in the West Zone. With two games still on the horizon, they’ve made it clear: they're not just in it to play, they're in it to dominate.

Al Shorta, on the other hand, finds themselves teetering on the edge of elimination. Even with games left to play, this loss might just be the nail in the coffin for their campaign.

Early Threats and Missed Opportunities

Al Shorta had a fleeting moment of hope early on. In the ninth minute, Mahmoud Almawas almost put the home team ahead with a header that skimmed past the post. They kept Al Ahli on their toes for a while, with Leonel Mbida even testing the Saudi defense, but they couldn't break through.

Al Ahli, missing big names like Franck Kessié and Riyad Mahrez, took their time to find their rhythm. But once they did, it was all over for Al Shorta.

Breaking the Deadlock

The first crack in Al Shorta's armor appeared in the 30th minute. Roger Ibanez, storming forward from defense, played a slick one-two with Ivan Toney before coolly slotting the ball into the net. It was a clinical move, setting the tone for what was to come.

Al Shorta had their chances before halftime, but they just couldn't capitalize. Ahmed Farhan couldn’t find the net from close range, and Mbida's attempt was thwarted by a sharp save from Abdulrahman Alsanbi.

Second Half Onslaught

After the break, Al Ahli turned up the heat. Ivan Toney was on fire, slipping a perfect pass to Fahad Alrashidi, only for Ahmed Basil to deny the shot. But Toney wasn't done. Moments later, Galeno's clever chipped pass found him, and with a deft touch, he doubled the lead, sending the ball past the onrushing Basil.

As if that wasn't enough, Al Ahli kept pushing. In the 72nd minute, Saleh Alshamat set Galeno free down the left flank. The Brazilian danced past Mustafa Saadoon and confidently finished beyond the keeper.

Then came the fourth. Alshamat beautifully controlled a long pass from Toney and lifted the ball into the far corner with ease. Five minutes later, Ziyad Aljohani put the final nail in Al Shorta’s coffin, wrapping up the 5-0 demolition.

The Road Ahead

This victory isn't just about numbers on a scoreboard. It's a statement. Al Ahli is charging ahead, looking stronger with each game. They're defending their continental crown with purpose and flair. Meanwhile, Al Shorta faces a daunting task, fighting to keep their dreams alive in the face of this crushing defeat.