MC Alger seal back-to-back Algeria titles despite final-day stalemate

MC Alger clinched a ninth Algerian Ligue 1 crown – and a second in succession – after a goalless draw with already-relegated Nadjem Magra on the final day of the 2024-25 season at the 5 July Stadium in Algiers on Saturday night.

The point was enough to lift Khaled Ben Yahia’s side to 58 points, two clear of bitter rivals JS Kabylie, who leapfrogged CR Belouizdad into second thanks to their own victory elsewhere.

It means MC Alger stand alone as the country’s third-most decorated league club, trailing only Kabylie (14 titles) and Belouizdad (10).

Knowing a draw would guarantee the championship, the capital club controlled possession from the outset yet found Nadjem Magra’s deep-lying defence obstinate.

Early openings for Guinean forward Mohamed Salio Bangura were repelled.

Nadjem Magra, condemned to the amateur ranks after finishing 15th on 31 points, rarely ventured forward but almost stunned the home crowd when forward Amrane  flashed a half-volley past the post midway through the first half.

Ben Yahia introduced midfielder Mohamed Zograna for Larbi Thabti at the break, later sending on Mehdi Boucharit and striker Sofiane Bayezid in search of a breakthrough.

The reshuffle, however, produced more territory than clear chances; Bangura’s looping header in the 78th minute was the closest MC came, goalkeeper Imad Benchlef clawing the effort away.

The final whistle sparked celebrations among more than 45,000 “Chnaoua”, who unfurled banners commemorating the club’s 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs triumph – still their solitary continental success.

After falling to Orlando Pirates in last season’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-finals, MC Alger have vowed to mount a deeper run next term.

Chairman Mohamed Hakim Hadj Redjam confirmed the board will “strengthen two key positions” during the close season to help Ben Yahia’s squad cope with domestic and African commitments.

For Nadjem Magra, relegation ends a brief stay in the top flight, while third-placed Belouizdad qualify for CAF inter-club competition via the league for a sixth straight season.

Key numbers

• MC Alger – 58 pts

• JS Kabylie – 56 pts

• CR Belouizdad – 55 pts

• Titles in Algerian Ligue 1:

  • JS Kabylie – 14

  • CR Belouizdad – 10

  • MC Alger – 9

MC Alger will return to action in late August when they begin their Champions League campaign in the second qualifying round.