On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal will clash at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, marking one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 season. Currently, Al-Ittihad sits at the top of the league, four points clear of their rivals Al-Hilal, which heightens the stakes of this matchup.
Al-Ittihad, led by the veteran French striker Karim Benzema, has enjoyed remarkable success this season, securing victory in 17 of their 20 matches, with only two losses. This strong performance has propelled them to 52 points, providing them with the definitive edge going forward. Benzema has been instrumental for the team, scoring 15 goals so far, and he continues to play a pivotal role as he blends experience with skill on the field. The team showed their dominance recently, dispatching Al Wehda with ease, winning 4-1—a match where Benzema was again on the score sheet.
Despite this, the defending champions Al-Hilal are not to be underestimated. Under the tutelage of Jorge Jesus, Al-Hilal has maintained second place, accumulating 48 points through 15 wins out of 20 games. Their focus must now shift to this encounter, as the outcome will significantly impact the league standings. Nevertheless, Al-Hilal has endured a rocky patch, having dropped points in three of their last five league outings. Their form severely contrasts with the tight organization and confidence possessed by Al-Ittihad.
The matchup paints both teams with historical stakes, as they've crossed paths numerous times over the years. Al-Hilal leads the historical head-to-head with 34 victories against Al-Ittihad's 14 wins, whilst 19 games ended in draws. Their most recent duel saw Al-Ittihad triumph during the King’s Cup quarter-finals, defeating Al-Hilal on penalties after the match ended 2-2.
Kickoff is scheduled for 19:15 BST, and fans worldwide will be glued to their screens, eager to see who will emerge victorious. While pundits are predicting high drama, there’s also talk of the attacking prowess both teams possess. Al-Ittihad boasts one of the finest attacks at home, having scored at least three goals on average per match.
Meanwhile, Marcos Leonardo, the leading scorer for Al-Hilal, must step up to challenge the Al-Ittihad defense. Al-Hilal will be without key players like Renan Lodi due to injury, which may stifle their attacking options. Nevertheless, the attacking talents of Leonardo and Salem Al-Dawsari promise to trouble the opposition’s defense.
Betting odds hint at the competitive nature of this matchup, with various predictions including potential outcomes like both teams scoring—a scenario seen frequently over previous encounters. Key betting forecasts suggest it is likely to end up being another high-scoring affair.
Overall, this match signifies much more than just three points; it symbolizes honor, pride, and the goal of being crowned the Saudi Pro League champions. With the title race hotting up, teams are aware of the weight of each point taken, making this match pivotal for both sides.
Who will grasp this opportunity? The answer will be revealed on the pitch as Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Hilal.