All eyes in Saudi football will be on Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium on Thursday evening, as Al-Riyadh hosts Al-Ahli in a highly anticipated match in the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. The game represents a true clash between two opposing sides in the standings; Al-Ahli, having made a strong return to the top flight, is fighting at the top of the table to maintain its title hopes, while Al-Riyadh is waging a fierce battle at the bottom to escape relegation.
Al-Ahli and their ambitions for the top spot in their return season:
Al-Ahli, one of the giants of Saudi football and a club with a rich history, enters this match in a strong position, aiming to bolster their points tally and continue putting pressure on the league leaders. Since their return to the Professional League this season, "Al-Raqui" (The Royal) has proven that they didn't come just to participate, but to compete fiercely, supported by a squad of international stars who joined the team thanks to the investment and privatization project for sports clubs. Among their prominent names are Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian Roberto Firmino, Ivorian Franck Kessié, and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The team aspires to continue their positive run of results, the latest of which was a hard-fought victory against Damac, to ensure they remain in the thick of the title race until the final rounds.
Riyadh and the tough battle for survival
: On the other side, Al-Riyadh Club finds itself in an unenviable position, languishing in a precarious position that threatens relegation. Every point has become crucial for the "Central School" team in the remaining rounds of the league. The team hopes to achieve a positive result against a formidable opponent like Al-Ahli, drawing on the home advantage and the support of their fans to secure at least a point, which could prove invaluable in the final standings. Despite the difficult situation, Al-Riyadh currently sits in fifteenth place with 16 points and is relying on players like Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan, Spaniard Juanmi, and Algerian Victor Lekhal to deliver a fighting performance and attempt to pull off an upset.
Head-to-head history and general context:
Looking at the history of direct encounters between the two teams in the Professional League, Al-Ahli holds the advantage, having won three out of five matches played between them, compared to one victory for Al-Riyadh, while one match ended in a draw. Al-Ahli's attack has scored 11 goals compared to Al-Riyadh's 3, reflecting Al-Ahli's historical dominance. However, football matches don't always adhere to statistics, especially when the motivations are different; Al-Ahli is playing for glory and the championship, while Al-Riyadh is fighting for survival, which adds an element of excitement, competitiveness, and anticipation to the encounter.
This match takes on added significance as it comes amidst an exceptional season for the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention thanks to its attraction of top stars. The outcome of this encounter will not only impact the local title and relegation battle, but will also send a message about the strength and competitiveness of the Saudi league on the international stage.
