As the Saudi Pro League reaches its climax, the pressure mounts for Al Hilal as they prepare to face Al Raed on May 7, 2025, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Buraidah. The match, set to kick off at 18:15, is crucial for both teams, albeit for starkly different reasons.
Al Hilal, the reigning champions, find themselves in a precarious position, trailing league leaders Al Ittihad by six points with only five matches left in the season. With the title slipping from their grasp, every point is vital as they seek to defend their championship status. Meanwhile, Al Raed is fighting for survival, sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone. They must secure victories in their remaining matches to have any hope of staying in the top flight.
Fans tuning in will be able to catch the action live on Sportitalia, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the Saudi Pro League, airing the match on channel 60 on digital terrestrial and 5060 on Sky. Additionally, viewers can stream the game via the Sportitalia App, available on various devices, ensuring that supporters can follow their teams wherever they are.
In their last outing, Al Hilal managed a 2-2 draw against Al Shabab, a match that saw them drop crucial points in their title chase. The team has had a mixed run lately, winning two of their last five league matches. However, their ambitions in the AFC Champions League were cut short after a disappointing 1-3 defeat to fellow Saudi team Al Ahli, which left them reeling.
Marcos Leonardo has been a standout performer for Al Hilal this season, leading the team with 17 goals, while Aleksandar Mitrovic closely follows with 14. The team’s attacking prowess is evident, as they boast the highest number of goals scored in the league, totaling 79. Despite their offensive strength, defensive inconsistencies have plagued them, contributing to their current predicament in the standings.
On the other side, Al Raed is struggling to find form, having won just one of their last five league matches, with four losses marking their recent performances. Their most recent game ended in a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat against Taawoun, which further exacerbated their relegation fears. With only six wins, three draws, and a staggering 20 losses from 28 games, the pressure is mounting for head coach Kresimir Rezic to turn the tide.
Al Raed’s lineup is expected to feature a 4-3-3 formation, with key players like Moreira, Al-Rajeh, and Gonzalez looking to stabilize their defense while pushing for crucial goals. The return of Al-Jayzani is a welcome boost, and they will need all hands on deck to challenge a formidable Al Hilal side.
The historical context of this matchup heavily favors Al Hilal, who have emerged victorious in nine of their last ten meetings against Al Raed. This trend continues to build confidence among Hilal supporters, who hope to see their team capitalize on Al Raed’s struggles. Betting odds reflect this sentiment, with Al Hilal favored to win at odds of 1.17, while a bet on Al Raed to concede is offered at 1.04.
As the match approaches, analysts and fans alike are eager to see if Al Raed can muster the performance needed to upset the champions. With their backs against the wall, they must find a way to secure points to avoid relegation, while Al Hilal aims to keep their title hopes alive.
In this high-stakes encounter, both teams have much to play for, setting the stage for a thrilling clash in the Saudi Pro League. Will Al Hilal assert their dominance, or can Al Raed produce a shock result to breathe new life into their season? The tension is palpable, and all eyes will be on Buraidah as the kickoff draws near.
