The long-awaited football derby between CR Belouizdad and USM Alger ended with both teams sharing the spoils at the Stade Nelson Mandela on March 16, 2025, with the match finishing 1-1. This clash was billed as one of the most significant events on the Algerian sports calendar, attracting fervent supporters eager to see their sides respond to their league positions.
CR Belouizdad and USM Alger, two of the giants of Algerian football, were both desperate for three points to stay within the title race. Prior to this draw, the last meeting between them—in October 2024—also finished without a winner, ending 0-0. The stakes were high as the match kicked off at 22:00 local time, and excitement filled the air.
The first half saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock, with CR Belouizdad enjoying more possession but failing to convert it to meaningful threats against the USM Alger defense. The match narrative was set, with missed opportunities defining the early exchanges. Khaldi's shot from USM Alger was expertly saved by keeper Zeghba at 28 minutes, illustrating the fine margins at play. Meanwhile, Chaâbi squandered the best chance of the first half for CR Belouizdad just two minutes later, wasting what could have been the opener.
After halftime, the intensity of the match increased as both teams pressed for dominance. The USM Alger breakthrough came at the 64th minute, significantly shifting the momentum. Brahim Benzaza struck first for USM Alger, finding the back of the net with finesse after receiving a clever assist from Khaldi. His goal silenced the home crowd momentarily, as USM Alger took the lead.
But the lead was short-lived. Just six minutes later, at the 70-minute mark, Aimen Mahious equalized for CR Belouizdad, capitalizing on defensive weakness from the visitors. His strike electrified the stadium and ensured the contest was finely balanced. Fans were treated to two well-crafted goals, heightening the stakes even more.
Despite numerous opportunities for both teams to snatch the winner, including several near misses and saved efforts, the match concluded at 1-1. This draw was especially disappointing for CR Belouizdad, who could have reduced the gap between themselves and league leaders MC Alger to just five points. They are now firmly entrenched as runners-up but missed the opportunity to close the gap. At the same time, USM Alger's tactical resilience meant they moved up to third place, taking advantage of results elsewhere, particularly over rivals JSk Kabylie.
The match did not only serve as another chapter to the storied rivalry; it also highlighted the competitive spirit presently coursing through the Algerian league. With both teams stacked with talented players, the future direction of this rivalry looks set to provide many more thrilling encounters. Supporters on both sides left the stadium buzzing with anticipation for the next fixtures, with CR Belouizdad set to redeem themselves on their home turf.
Looking at the outcomes, two key performers emerged from this derby: Benzaza for his opening goal and Mahious for his equalizer, both exemplifying the caliber of talent present on the pitch. Their contributions were not only pivotal to their respective teams’ performance but also demonstrated their individual quality.
Comparatively, MC Alger continues to hold their lead at the top of the standings, with this match reducing the pressure slightly as they maintain their distance from the chasing pack.
Overall, this derby was marked by passionate football, deserving of its title as one of the highlights of the league. With CR Belouizdad's disappointing draw and USM Alger's strategic play allowing them to climb the ranks, the season continues to offer unexpected twists as the fight for the championship progresses. Both teams are expected to regroup and strategize moving forward as they prepare for the next rounds.
Ahead, fans are left to speculate on what the future holds for the remaining fixtures, as both teams are poised to challenge for higher standings. The league has proven to be competitive with every match day keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The rivalry will undoubtedly add to the excitement as they aim to close out the season strong and forward their case for league supremacy.
Witnessing such spirited performances week after week emphasizes the growth and potential of Algerian football on the world stage, and with the right strategies, the future seems bright for both CR Belouizdad and USM Alger as they battle it out for glory.