Al-Ahli's Defensive Puzzle: Demiral's Absence, Hamed's Chance, and the Overblown 'Crisis' Narrative

The King Abdullah Sports City still holds the cold air of the 0-3 derby defeat to Al-Hilal. It was an evening where Al-Ahli's defense fell into a nightmare with no escape. But that sporting pain didn't stop at three conceded goals. It brought an inevitable consequence: key centre-back Merih Demiral received a red card and must sit out the next match. And from that void, the name Rayan Hamed suddenly stepped into the center of the spotlight. Saudi Pro League football doesn't forgive romanticism. It operates under the harsh rules of tactics and performance pressure. When a big club like Al-Ahli loses a European-level centre-back, the entire defensive structure must be rebuilt. The question isn't just who will replace Demiral, but how to fill the void he leaves behind — the void of experience, of aerial ability, of those last-ditch tackles that are so crucial. Merih Demiral is no stranger. With over 70 caps for Turkey, he's a true warrior, a centre-back with plenty of fire and game-reading ability. At Al-Ahli, he's the most reliable barrier in front of the goal. His absence, even for just one match, creates a huge hole in the defensive system. Opponent Al-Riyadh, despite being rated lower, will certainly look at this weakness to exploit. Rayan Hamed, the player given the chance by coach Pusic, is a young domestic centre-back on the rise. He has qualities, he has enthusiasm, but he lacks top-level experience. Pairing him with Ibanez, an experienced Brazilian centre-back, could be a sedative for the defense, but it could also be a gamble. The chemistry between the two is still a big question mark, and Al-Riyadh could very well target Hamed as a weak link. That derby night, I sat in front of the screen, following every ball. There was no crowd roar, only a suffocating silence in my office. I remembered the moment Clearlove was criticized for his mistake in 2026, and I understood how terrible the pressure on a young player replacing a star can be. Hamed isn't just playing for himself; he's playing for an entire team struggling to find its confidence. Tactically, losing Demiral doesn't just affect defending inside the box. He's also a constant threat in set pieces. His aerial ability is a powerful weapon in both attack and defense. Without him, Al-Ahli loses an option to reach the opponent's goal and weakens in defending crosses. This is a double disadvantage that coach Pusic must consider. Goal.com called this a 'predicament' for Al-Ahli. But perhaps, that word is a bit overblown. This is just a forced replacement due to suspension, a common situation in football. The truth is, football always has moments like this. One player falls, another stands up. The question is whether the one standing up has enough courage to seize the opportunity. I remember the lesson from the microphone at 23: speak less, listen more, tell the story with all your heart. And I also remember that victory is fleeting; the way a team hugs after defeat is history. Al-Ahli is in such a moment. They just suffered a heavy defeat, lost a key player, and are facing a match they must win. Looking at the bigger picture, Al-Ahli is still an ambitious team. The presence of names like Ibanez and Watkins shows they've invested heavily in the squad. But football isn't just about money. It's about cohesion, spirit, and the ability to overcome adversity. The match against Al-Riyadh will be an important test of the team's character. Al-Riyadh, despite being rated lower, is not an easy opponent. They might play defensive counter-attacking football, waiting for mistakes from Al-Ahli's inexperienced defense. They know Hamed is a potential weak point, and they won't hesitate to exploit it. This is a real threat, not an empty one. Coach Pusic needs to make reasonable adjustments. Maybe he'll ask the midfielders to drop deeper to support the defense, or maybe he'll change the tactical formation for more solidity. Whatever he chooses, he must ensure his defense isn't breached too easily. The team's confidence is wounded, and an early goal could make things worse. For Hamed, this is a chance to prove his worth. If he plays well, he could earn the coaching staff's trust and get more opportunities in the future. If he plays badly, he might face criticism. But that's the rule of top-level football. People only remember those who overcome pressure. The empty stadium in 2026 echoed the breaths of a generation. I once wrote about the loneliness of champions, about Kanavi crying in silence. And now, I see a similar image at Al-Ahli. They're facing a challenge in a less-than-ideal context. But who knows, maybe from these difficulties, they'll find new strength. The match against Al-Riyadh isn't just a regular match. It's a chance for Al-Ahli to prove they don't depend on any individual. It's a chance for Hamed to make a name for himself. And it's also a chance for coach Pusic to show his tactical acumen. Football never stops providing stories, and this story is about replacement, pressure, and opportunity. I'll watch this match with special interest. I want to see how Hamed handles the pressure, how Al-Ahli's defense operates, and whether the 'crisis' the media mentions is real or just an exaggeration. Because in football, the truth is always revealed on the pitch. When there's nothing left to say, I let the applause tell the rest of the story. But right now, the applause is still too far away. Al-Ahli must listen to their own heartbeat, amid doubts and expectations. And the answer will come this weekend, on the pitch, where there's no room for romanticism. In modern football, data and tactics play an increasingly important role. But there are things data can't show: spirit, courage, and the ability to overcome adversity. Al-Ahli needs those more than ever. They need a win to soothe the derby pain, and they need a convincing performance to dispel doubts. And perhaps, deep down, they also need a story to tell. A story of how they overcame difficulties, of how a young player seized his opportunity. Because stories like that become part of club history. And history, as we know, isn't written by pessimists. I stumbled at LPL 2026, now I know where to stand firm. That phrase has stayed with me through my years in this profession. And I believe Al-Ahli will also find their footing. Maybe not in this match, but certainly at some point. Because football always has its own way of healing its wounds. The match between Al-Ahli and Al-Riyadh isn't just a match. It's a test of character, resilience, and the ability to face pressure. And whatever the result, the story of this replacement will be remembered. Because in football, moments like this often leave lasting marks. I'll wait for the match with the mindset of a storyteller, not a judge. I'll observe, analyze, and tell the story in football's own language. Because every move is a short poem, and I just choose to read it slowly. Al-Ahli is at a crossroads. They can let current difficulties drown them, or they can turn them into motivation to rise. The choice is in their hands. And as I've said, the transfer market is just a list; real contracts are signed with love. Love for the club, love for the game, and love for oneself. Let the match speak. Let Hamed prove his worth. Let Al-Ahli show they aren't weak. Because in football, nothing lasts forever, including crises. And when the storm passes, survivors become stronger. Silence also has its score. And in this pre-match silence, I can hear the heartbeat of a team finding itself again. It's a hopeful sound, and I believe it will soon be replaced by the roar of victory. The lesson from the microphone at 23: speak less, listen more, tell the story with all your heart. Al-Ahli is listening, and I believe they'll tell a beautiful story this weekend. A story of overcoming, of courage, and of unwavering faith in football. Mbappe didn't run on grass that year; he wrote a melody. And perhaps, Hamed won't just play football; he'll write his own story. A story we'll remember for a long time. The match will come and go. But what remains after the match will last. It's the spirit, the courage, and the valuable lessons. Al-Ahli is facing an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become stronger. And I believe they won't miss it. The empty stadium in 2026 echoed the breaths of a generation. And in Al-Ahli's breath right now, I hear a new melody. A melody of hope, resilience, and faith. And I'll listen to it closely, until the match ends. Victory is fleeting; the way a team hugs after defeat is history. Al-Ahli just suffered a defeat, and now, they're showing how they stand up. That's a beautiful image, more beautiful than any victory. And I believe history will remember them, not for their losses, but for how they overcame them.