A dramatic and unsettling incident stole the spotlight in the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-final as Al-Ahli defender Ali Majrashi’s attempted bicycle-kick clearance struck Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) forward Jairo Da Silva squarely in the face.
The clash unfolded in the 37th minute at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Majrashi, who had already diverted the ball into his own net to hand JDT a surprise 19th-minute lead, launched into an acrobatic clearance but made direct contact with Jairo’s face using his shin. The Brazilian forward collapsed motionless on the pitch, prompting immediate chaos. Majrashi received a straight red card, while tensions boiled over as JDT players confronted him. Captain Natxo Insa was booked after urgently grabbing a stretcher himself when medical staff appeared slow to respond.
Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi goes for a bicycle kick clearance and catches JDT’s Jairo straight in the face.
— Soccer Forever (@soccerforeverhq) April 17, 2026
Despite starting the match as underdogs, JDT found themselves a goal and a man up. However, they failed to seize control. Franck Kessié equalised with a free header from a corner in first-half stoppage time. Just nine minutes into the second half, Galeno unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike that flew past goalkeeper Andoni Zubiaurre, giving 10-man Al-Ahli a 2-1 lead they defended resolutely until the end.
JDT created several promising chances, notably a curling effort from Yago and a late half-volley from Óscar Arribas, but Édouard Mendy produced key saves to secure victory for the defending champions. The Malaysian side finished with only three shots on target and slightly less possession despite their numerical edge.
Post-match reports confirmed Jairo suffered a concussion and required surgery for facial injuries, including stitches to his lips. He has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering.
For JDT, the 2-1 defeat ends a landmark campaign that saw them reach the ACL Elite quarter-finals for the first time. While the result stings, their journey marks significant progress for Malaysian football on the continental stage. Al-Ahli advance to the semi-finals, showing trademark resilience under pressure.