Rodrigo Lima could well take Al Ahli to Asian Champions League final

Al Ahli have been missing a striker for a long time, but now that they have a good one, this could be their time to win a rare piece of silverware, writes John McAuley.

Rodrigo Lima, seen in a Benfica shirt, has been and is likely to continue to be an asset for Al Ahli. Patricia de Melo Moreira / AFP

Rodrigo Lima signed at Al Ahli the day before the registration deadline for the Asian Champions League’s latter stages.

The Dubai club’s search for a striker had been lengthy and laborious, stretching back to the previous summer, and through June and July included reported offers for players such as Demba Ba and Nikica Jelavic. More definitively, an uncharacteristically public pursuit of Luiz Adriano concluded with the Brazilian signing for AC Milan.

So Lima landed on July 24, announced via Ahli’s official Twitter account. An accompanying image depicted the new addition in Benfica’s colours, arms outstretched as he celebrated a goal, his name in bright white letters emblazoned across the bottom.

Understandably, Ahli were making a statement: finally, they had a man to correct the previous season’s profligacy. The endeavour, the exertion had paid off. From that moment on, the rewards have been plenty.

Lima has become an instant hit. He scored twice on his competitive debut in August's 8-1 mauling of Fujairah, the first an unstoppable strike high into the net from an acute angle, the second a predator's finish. He has not ceased since.

The glanced header against Sharjah last Thursday inflated Lima’s tally to 11 goals in nine appearances: four in the Arabian Gulf League, four in the Arabian Gulf Cup and, crucially, three in the Champions League.

The only goal in the quarter-final first leg at Naft Tehran; the opener in the return match at the Rashid Stadium; another, potentially vital, away goal three weeks ago in the first leg of the semi-final with Al Hilal. He has scored at least once in every match, in every competition.

His contribution in Riyadh could be his most important. It ensures Ahli go into Tuesday’s reverse fixture against Hilal with the aggregate score at 1-1, within touching distance of Asian football’s club showpiece.

Lima is their luminary. His success on the pitch has been predicated on his dedication off it, on the Brazilian’s reluctance to accept the transfer to Ahli as the careful winding down of what has already represented a fine career.

At 32, and with a hitherto significant CV – prolific in Portugal, a regular Uefa Champions League participant, twice winner of the Primeira Liga – Lima could have simply taken his well-remunerated two-year contract, deemed the transition to UAE football a step down and eased through until 2017.

But he has embraced the challenge, has resolved to make his mark in an altogether different environment. Not only has his fast start made swift friends, but his approach has impressed everyone at Ahli.

Lima is eminently likeable, an affable personality who has prioritised building bonds with teammates and club staff, no matter their rank. A native Portuguese speaker, he is working hard on his English.

And as he has settled, Lima has been gradually provided more responsibility, too. Against Sharjah, he wore the captain’s armband. Underpinned by the talent, he has showcased that he possesses both the temperament and the tenacity to thrive.

All of those qualities will be required for Tuesday’s landmark match with Hilal. Recruited on the eve of the Champions League deadline, and after Ahli had exhausted other possibilities, Lima has proved a master of timing. Another milestone moment would only add to his lore. It would also place Ahli one step closer to the continental crown.

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