The Cairo giants dominated large spells of the game but wasted a string of clear scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty.
“We wasted a lot of chances especially in the first half. I will analyze the game to know our mistakes and amend them during the training,” Riveiro said, according to the club’s official website.
The Spanish coach, who took charge in early June, first appeared on the touchline on Monday as Ahly lost to Mexico’s Pachuca on penalties in a warm-up game.
“There were positive things in our first game against Inter Miami and at the same time we did some faults regarding passing and slow motion sometimes and we will avoid that in the future,” the coach explained.
“We created clear chances and we were the better side in the first half but sadly we couldn’t score. Both teams did mistakes especially as it was the opening game,” he added.
Riveiro admitted that the performance of the MLS side and its star Lionel Messi improved in the second half, but he also insisted that Ahly players bothered the movements of the Argentinian star on the pitch.
Riveiro clarified that preparation time for the competition was limited but affirmed that the technical staff and players were trying to do their best.
“Inter Miami game now is over and all concentration now is on facing Palmeiras and Porto to achieve our targets,” the Ahly coach concluded.
Sunday’s result leaves both sides, including Brazil’s Palmeiras and Portugal’s FC Porto, on one point in Group A.
Ahly will face Palmeiras next Thursday in what could already be a decisive match for the group standings.
Check group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics for more details.
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