Roberto Firmino finally back in the goals! Liverpool legend scores for first time in six months - but Al-Ahli see unbeaten streak routed

Firmino scored from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, bringing the scores level to 2-2 after Al-Ahkdoud had twice taken the lead on the opening 43 minutes. Ultimately, Leandre Tawamba's goal 14 minutes into the second half for Al-Akhdoud inflicted Al-Ahli's first league defeat since October 27.

Scorer of 111 goals for Liverpool, Firmino netted a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut back in August and was captaining his new team until suddenly being dropped from the starting lineup in the wake of a defeat to league leaders Al-Hilal in late October. By that time, the 32-year-old Brazilian hadn't scored since his debut and by the time he got on the scoresheet against Al Akhdoud on Friday as football returned from the winter break, it was 18 appearances without a goal. Since October, most of those appearances had been as a substitute, with the Al-Akhdoud game his first league start since being dropped four months ago.

Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie has been wearing the Al-Ahli armband in recent months in Firmino's regular omission from the starting lineup. But the Ivory Coast international's absence off the back of winning at the Africa Cup of Nations handed Firmino the chance to get his first start in months.

Defeat on Friday leaves Al-Ahli in third place and 16 points adrift of runaway leaders Al-Hilal, which makes the chances of a first Saudi Pro League title since 2018 unlikely. However, their five-point cushion over fourth place Al-Taawoun puts them in a strong position to at least finish in the top three and therefore be in next season's AFC Champions League after returning from the second tier.