The banner that greeted the Al Ahli players as they came out at Rashid Stadium exalted them to “Fight Until The End”, AFC Champions League history just 90 minutes away.

The supporters were then put through the wringer as their players observed those words to the letter.

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A late double from UAE striker Ahmed Khalil secured a truly-memorable 3-2 triumph against Tractor Sazi, the Red Knights twice coming from behind to achieve their continental dream.

Debut entry into the round of 16 has given embattled coach Cosmin Olaroiu and his players something to cherish from a campaign which previously offered embarrassment for the deposed treble winners.

Intriguingly, a titanic domestic clash with Al AIN awaits if the Group B pacesetters can avoid defeat against Naft Tehran tonight.

“Any time Al Ahli and Al Ain face each other it’s a big game and it’s also a good thing because we won’t have to travel too much,” said Olaroiu, a double Arabian Gulf League title winner with the Boss.

“I spoke to players and expected a new fight to show more spirit and motivation, I knew it would be tough with some main players missing but I never stopped believing.

“I believed until the end and we did what the supporters asked – we fought until the end and we did it.”

The Red Knights had to beat their bottom-placed Group D opponents and hope Nasaf dropped points at leaders Al Ahli Jeddah.

Their namesakes did their part, securing a goalless draw in Uzbekistan. Poor finishing and even worse defending then appeared to have done for the Dubai outfit before the usually-derided Khalil’s intervention.

The opener was embarrassingly conceded. Tractor midfielder Ahmad Amirkamdar emerged with the ball from the centre circle and danced through three piecemeal tackles before his shot deflected off Abdelaziz Sanqour to the grateful Mehrdad Bayrami, a second nick off Abdulaziz Haikal sending his effort past the despairing Ahmed Dida.

Ahli were sinking at this stage, despite having two efforts cleared off the line. The excellent Everton Ribeiro – celebrating his call-up to Brazil’s Copa America squad – curled a shot on to diligent skipper Mohammad Iranpourian’s head, before Hani Hashemi later cleared Kwon Kyung-won’s half-volley from a corner.

Momentum had been building and it was turned into an equaliser on 50 minutes. The lively Habib Fardan, finally putting in a performance worthy of his large summer transfer fee from Al Nasr, skipped inside before crossing to playmaker Ribeiro to tap in on the line.

No sooner had the Red Knights gone ahead than their defensive demons emerged once more. UAE centre-back Walid Abbas was muscled off the ball far too easily out wide during a rare foray forward from the Red Wolves before Bayrami’s first-time centre was nestled into the bottom corner by the on-rushing Saman Nariman Jahan.

Khalil’s time in the spotlight, the greatest moments in a fitful club career, then occurred. He first leaped athletically to flick in Ribeiro’s cross on 78 minutes before powerfully sending home a Sanqour delivery moments later.

The centre forward had previously symbolised the malaise that had taken over Ahli this term, with just six goals previously scored in 29 appearances. He will now forever be associated with joy and Ahli’s record achievement.

He said: “After recent performances I sat Ahmed Khalil down and told him some things and showed him some things that I hope would help motivate him and also give him more confidence.

“I had to trust him today and I told staff in a meeting that today would be the day of Ahmed Khalil.”

Rashid Stadium exploded, Olaroiu and his players embracing when the final whistle went.

They – and the club – had waited a long time for this.