On the afternoon of February 28, 2025, football fans will turn their eyes to the iconic Kingdom Arena in Riyadh for the much-anticipated clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Pro League. The encounter promises to be thrilling, featuring two historic rivals vying for important points to achieve their respective season goals. The match is set to kick off at 16:00 (Brasilia time) and will be broadcast live on the GOAT channel on YouTube and Band Sports.
The home team, Al-Hilal, currently sits second on the league table with 51 points, just five behind league leaders Al-Ittihad. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli is hoping to climb the ranks, currently placed at fifth with 44 points. This match holds extra significance not just for the standings, but also for the teams' aspirations to qualify for Asian competitions next season. With both coaches, Jorge Jesus for Al-Hilal and Matthias Jaissle for Al-Ahli, eager to bolster their squads, fans can expect to see key players like Marcos Leonardo for Al-Hilal and Ivan Toney for Al-Ahli aiming to make statements on the pitch.
Historically, Al-Hilal holds the advantage over Al-Ahli, having won 25 out of the 49 encounters between the two sides. The last meeting took place on October 5, 2024, with Al-Hilal winning 2-1. Al-Hilal's impressive record includes 16 victories this season, showcasing their potential as serious title contenders for the current campaign, which includes 10 home wins under their belt, showcasing their strength at home.
Both clubs come off recent performances mixed with results, where Al-Hilal needs to regain form. Despite their powerful offensive capabilities with players like Malcom, Kaio César, and the league's standout scorer Marcos Leonardo, they faltered with heavy losses, including their last matchup ending 1-1 against Al-Riyadh and the significant 4-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad. Al-Hilal must focus on consistency and reclaim their dominance as they strive for the championship.
On the other hand, Al-Ahli enters the clash on the back of solid form, recently bouncing back with favorable results, highlighted by their emphatic 4-1 win over Al-Qadisiyah. Their latest encounters have included victories over Esteghlal and Tractor, demonstrating their competitive nature but still facing challenges when playing away. Al-Ahli aims to upset Al-Hilal's rhythm and bounce back strongly by capitalizing on their opposition's occasional defensive vulnerabilities.
Fans can expect to see either team fielding strong lineups, with Al-Hilal anticipated to start with Yassine Bono; João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulaihi, and Moteb Al-Harbi; Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Rúben Neves; alongside forwards Kaio César, Malcom, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Marcos Leonardo leading the attack. For Al-Ahli, the expected lineup includes Mendy; Bakor, Ibañez, Dams; Majrashi, Ziyad Aljohani, Franck Kessié, and Galeno; with Al-Buraikan, Gabri Veiga, and Ivan Toney spearheading their offensive efforts.
The match takes on additional significance with Al-Hilal targeting key triumphs to close the gap on Al-Ittihad, whilst Al-Ahli seeks to secure their position within the top three. With clear skies forecasted and capital temperatures set to reach around 24°C, conditions at the Kingdom Arena should be perfect for football.
Outside the tactical preparations, the matchup will attract significant public attention, evidenced by the rapid ticket sales indicating strong local enthusiasm. Kingdom Arena, boasting capacity for over 26,000 spectators, is expected to be buzzing with passionate supporters eager to witness this classic showdown. The stakes are high as each point could shift the momentum for both teams as the season progresses.
Also noteworthy is the rivalry embedded within this contest; with Al-Hilal historically viewed as the dominant force within Saudi football, their colonization of resources and consistent successes weigh heavily on the outcomes today. Al-Ahli’s ambitions to bridge this gap are palpable as they face the challenge entrusted with quickly elevatorializing their own fortunes within the league structure.
Fans planning to view the match at home will have the convenience of multiple outlets, as it will be updated live across various platforms online, including GOAT on YouTube along with mainstream television broadcasts on Band Sports. Enhanced by social media, supporters are encouraged to engage with live commentary for real-time updates.
Both teams pride themselves on their distinct styles of play, with Al-Hilal expected to adopt a more aggressive pressing style, leveraging their pacey forwards and tactical midfield arrangement to assert dominance early. Contrastingly, Al-Ahli will likely adopt swift counters, utilizing the strength and speed of their attackers to seize opportunities.
This classic rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli underlies the true essence of Saudi football—passionate clubs supported by dedicated fans, emblematic of local pride and sporting excellence. With legendary battles evolved across decades, this match-up remains pivotal for both clubs, carrying deep significance not just for league standings but for the spirit of competition lying at the heart of Saudi football today.