In a thrilling clash in the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad is set to face Al Ettifaq on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points as the season approaches its climax, with Al Ittihad currently leading the league and Al Ettifaq fighting for a better standing.
Al Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc, enters this match with a four-point lead at the top of the table. However, the team is coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Al Fateh, which snapped their impressive ten-match unbeaten streak. Despite this setback, Al Ittihad boasts a formidable home record, having accumulated 40 points from 14 games at their home ground, making them a daunting opponent.
On the other hand, Al Ettifaq, currently sitting in seventh place, has struggled in recent matches, failing to secure a win in their last four outings. Their record includes two losses and two draws, with recent results showing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Al Hilal and a disappointing 1-1 draw against Al Qadsiah. Nevertheless, their away form has been commendable, remaining unbeaten in their last nine league games, which includes five wins and four draws.
The last five encounters between these two teams have been tightly contested. Al Ittihad has won twice, Al Ettifaq once, and two matches ended in draws. In their overall head-to-head record, Al Ittihad has 14 wins, Al Ettifaq has six wins, and there have been four draws in their last 24 matchups. This history suggests that while Al Ittihad has had slightly better results recently, Al Ettifaq is capable of pulling off an upset.
As the match kicks off at 9:00 PM KSA (7:00 PM BST), fans can expect an intense battle on the field. Al Ittihad will be looking to bounce back and solidify their position at the top of the league, while Al Ettifaq hopes to break their winless streak and climb higher in the standings.
Live coverage of the match will be available on various platforms. In India, fans can catch the action on the Sony Sports Network and stream it via the Sony Liv app starting at 11:30 PM IST. UK viewers can watch the match on DAZN from 7:00 PM BST, while fans in the USA can tune in to Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Deportes at 2:00 PM ET. For those in Canada, the match will also be available on DAZN TV Network.
Al Ittihad's coach, Laurent Blanc, emphasized the importance of bouncing back after the recent loss, stating, "We need to regain our confidence and show our strength at home. Our fans expect nothing less than a win, and we must deliver." Meanwhile, Al Ettifaq's manager, Steven Gerrard, has instilled a resilient mentality in his squad, focusing on solid defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities. He remarked, "We know we are up against tough opposition, but we have proven we can perform away from home. We will give it our all to secure a positive result."
In terms of player statistics, Al Ittihad has been prolific this season, scoring 63 goals while conceding only 28, resulting in an impressive goal difference of +35. Their attacking prowess is led by key players, who have consistently found the back of the net. Conversely, Al Ettifaq has scored 35 goals but has conceded 38, indicating areas that need improvement if they are to challenge the league leaders.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. Al Ittihad's home advantage and strong record suggest they will be favorites to win this encounter, but Al Ettifaq's resilience and recent strong away form could make for an unpredictable match. With both teams having much to play for, this clash promises to be a captivating spectacle in the Saudi Pro League.
In conclusion, the match between Al Ittihad and Al Ettifaq is not just a battle for points but also a test of character for both teams. With the stakes high, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere and a game filled with intensity and drama. Whether Al Ittihad can maintain their lead or Al Ettifaq can pull off a surprise will be the defining narrative of this encounter.