Saudi Arabia's football scene is gearing up for one of its most anticipated matchups, as Al Hilal faces Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the King’s Cup on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The match, which kicks off at 2:30 PM Brasília time, promises excitement as it marks the return of Neymar after two months of recovery from injury, adding to the emotional edge of this storied rivalry.
The quarter-final encounter at the Kingdom Arena will be the only match of this phase, determining who moves on to the semi-finals. Last season, Al Hilal, who went on to claim the championship, eliminated Al Ittihad at the same stage, and the Tigers are now eager to gain revenge.
Al Hilal will look to capitalize on the familiarity of their squad depth with star players like Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic, as they embrace the added pressure of being champions. While Neymar's full return to action remains uncertain, his presence on the pitch—if only for the latter stages of the game—could be pivotal.
How do both teams stack up leading to this thrilling clash? Al Hilal has made strides since the earlier rounds, having defeated Al-Bukiryah and Al-Tai to secure their spot. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad also cruised by with victories over Al-Ain and Al-Jandal.
Looking back at recent form, Al Hilal won their previous encounter against Al-Fayha 2-0 with Neymar also scoring. Conversely, Al Ittihad showcased their attacking prowess with a resounding 4-1 victory over Al-Nassr from Oman, indicating they too are on the right path heading to this showdown.
For viewers eager to catch the action, the match will be broadcast live on the Bandsports channel and the GOAT YouTube channel, allowing fans from around the world to tune in and support their teams. FIFA officials will oversee the match’s proceedings, with Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela leading as the main official.
Both teams bring formidable lineups. Al Hilal operates under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus with key players like Milinkovic-Savic and Malcom, aiming to bolster their offense. On the other hand, under Laurent Blanc's tactical direction, Al Ittihad will rely on stars like Karim Benzema, aiming for dominance on their end.
The intensity of the encounter was perhaps best captured by Blanc himself, who stated pre-match, "It’s disappointing not to get the result we were hoping for last time. I felt we played to our strengths and put together some quality chances." His sentiments reflect the mood heading back onto the pitch, where players are expected to deliver thrilling moments.
Adding another layer to this rivalry, Al Hilal’s recent encounters with Al Ittihad have consistently promised drama and skill on display. With Neymar’s contributions—both past and present—now mixed with Benzema’s commanding presence, fans can expect extraordinary moments packed within what could be characterized as one of Saudi Arabia’s premier sporting events.
Following the quarter-final clash, the victors will advance to face Al-Nassr, setting the stage for more high-stakes football. The spectacle, fanfare, and traditional rivalry inherent between these two clubs encapsulate the essence of Saudi Arabian football, making every encounter historic.
There’s no doubt about it: whether it’s through dazzling footwork or controversial referee decisions, this match will add another exciting chapter to the rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad. Strap yourselves in, football fans. The King’s Cup is here, and it’s time to witness some thrilling action!