On Monday, April 21, 2025, football fans will witness an electrifying clash as Al-Ittihad takes on Al-Ettifaq in the 29th round of the Saudi Pro League. Set to kick off at 15:00 (Brasilia time) at the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams in contrasting phases of their seasons.
Al-Ittihad, currently leading the league with 65 points, comes into this match seeking to consolidate their top position after a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Fateh in their last outing. The team, managed by Laurent Blanc, boasts an impressive record of 20 wins, 5 draws, and just 3 losses this season, having scored 63 goals while conceding 28. At home, Al-Ittihad has been formidable, remaining undefeated with 13 victories out of 14 matches.
In their last encounter against Al-Ettifaq, which took place in November 2024, Al-Ittihad triumphed decisively with a 4-0 victory. Karim Benzema, the star forward, was instrumental in that match, netting two goals. This time around, Al-Ittihad will look to Benzema again, who has been in fine form this season, tallying 17 goals and 8 assists.
On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq arrives in Jeddah following a narrow 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh, thanks to a goal from Brazilian forward Vitinho. Currently sitting in 7th place with 40 points, Al-Ettifaq has a record of 11 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses. Despite their mid-table position, they have shown resilience, especially in away games, where they hold the 3rd best record in the league with a 64% success rate.
Al-Ettifaq's recent performances suggest they are capable of challenging the league leaders. Under the guidance of their interim coach, following the departure of Steven Gerrard, the team aims to secure points to improve their standing. The tactical approach for this match is expected to be cautious, focusing on quick counter-attacks and set pieces to exploit any defensive lapses from Al-Ittihad.
Historically, the rivalry between these two clubs has favored Al-Ittihad, who has won 20 of the 37 encounters between them, while Al-Ettifaq has claimed victory in just 7 matches, with 9 draws. Yet, the unpredictability of football means Al-Ettifaq could certainly spring a surprise.
Both teams have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Al-Ittihad's offensive prowess is highlighted by their average of 2.25 goals per game, while their defense has been solid, conceding only 0.8 goals per game. In contrast, Al-Ettifaq has struggled defensively, allowing 1.36 goals per game, which could be a critical factor in this matchup.
Fans will be eager to see how the teams line up. Al-Ittihad is likely to maintain their 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing possession and wing play, with N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho anchoring the midfield. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq is expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on the speed of players like Demarai Gray and the experience of Gini Wijnaldum to create scoring opportunities.
Weather conditions in Jeddah are forecasted to be ideal for football, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 28°C, promising a comfortable environment for players and fans alike. The excitement in the stadium is expected to be palpable, with a capacity crowd of around 35,000 supporters cheering on their teams.
For those looking to catch the action live, the match will be broadcast on Canal GOAT via YouTube, starting at 17:30 (Brasilia time). This match not only holds significance for the league standings but also serves as an opportunity for both teams to showcase their talents on a larger stage.
As the game approaches, analysts are leaning towards Al-Ittihad as the favorites due to their strong home record and overall performance this season. However, with the unpredictability of football, Al-Ettifaq could well be poised for an upset, especially if they manage to capitalize on any mistakes from their opponents.
The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the Saudi Pro League season. A victory for Al-Ittihad would solidify their lead and keep them on track for the championship, while Al-Ettifaq desperately needs points to secure a comfortable position in the league.
This encounter between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq is not just a battle for points; it’s a clash of ambitions, strategies, and the relentless pursuit of glory in the Saudi Pro League. Fans can expect a match filled with intensity, skill, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
