On Saturday, February 22, 2025, football fans are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most exciting clashes of the Saudi Pro League season as Al-Ittihad is set to face off against Al-Hilal at the King Abdullah Sports City, affectionately known as Al-Jawhara Al-Hadrah, located in Jeddah.
Currently, Al-Ittihad sits at the top of the league table with 52 points, boasting recent victories against teams like Al-Khulood (4-3), Al-Taawoun (2-1), and Al-Wehda (4-1). Their impressive run has reinforced their position as title contenders, especially after Al-Hilal faltered with disappointing draws against Damak and Al-Riyadh. Al-Hilal, the defending champions, trails closely behind with 48 points. The matchup on Saturday could be pivotal, as Al-Hilal seeks to minimize the gap and keep their hopes of defending the title alive.
Kickoff is scheduled for 9:15 PM local time (Makkah, Doha, and Iraq), with the game being broadcast live on SSC 1 HD, SSC 1 SD, and SSC 5 HD. Commentator Fares Awad is set to call the game, as fans are expected to pack the stands for this highly-anticipated clash.
Historically, the rivalry has seen Al-Hilal secure 79 victories against Al-Ittihad’s 52, with the two teams having drawn 39 times across all competitions. The last encounter saw Al-Ittihad emerge victorious due to penalties after ending the regular match at 2-2 during the King’s Cup quarter-finals.
Both teams are coming with strong lineups. Al-Ittihad is expected to field goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, defenders Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadh, and Saad Al-Mousa, with midfield powerhouses like N'Golo Kanté and Fabinho leading the charge. Upfront, star striker Karim Benzema will be supported by Steven Bergwijn and Moussa Diaby, creating potential problems for the Al-Hilal defense.
On the other side, Al-Hilal will have Yassine Bounou as goalkeeper, with defensive stalwarts Kalidou Koulibaly and Ali Al-Bulayi leading the backline. They will rely on midfielders Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to dictate the pace of the game, aiming to break through Al-Ittihad's defense with strikers like Salem Al-Dosari and Malcom.
The match holds significant weight, not just for the teams' standings but also for the players' performances, especially with international transfers on the horizon. Reports indicate the combined market value showcases Al-Hilal at approximately €178.5 million, versus Al-Ittihad's €119.38 million, highlighting the financial might of both clubs.
Beyond mere statistics, the personal stakes also add to the intrigue. "The match promises to be intense with both teams striving for victory," commented AlMashhad reporters, accurately sensing the competitive spirit expected on the pitch.
The atmosphere at King Abdullah Sports City will likely be electric, as both team’s loyal supporters rally behind their respective squads. Anticipation is mounting as fans ponder the outcome—will Al-Ittihad strengthen its lead or will Al-Hilal make significant strides toward reclaiming the title?
The matchup is not only a game; it’s where legacies are made and fortunes shifted. Both coaches, Laurent Blanc from Al-Ittihad and Jorge Jesus from Al-Hilal, will face immense pressure as they prepare their players for this classic encounter.
By the end of this match, answers will emerge. Can Al-Ittihad continue their dominance and claim the title, or will Al-Hilal's resilience pay off, turning the tides? There's plenty at stake, and fans on both sides will be holding their breath as these two titans collide on the pitch this coming Saturday.