Highly anticipated mass rally in the Eastern Province
Saudi football fans, and especially those of the Saudi Professional League, will be glued to their screens Monday evening for the "Eastern Derby," a top-of-the-table clash between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Qadisiyah in the 24th round of matches. This encounter is more than just a three-point battle in the league race; it's a new chapter in the historic rivalry between two of the Eastern Province's most prominent clubs, promising a thrilling and closely contested match.
A rich historical background for the Eastern Derby
The rivalry between Al-Ettifaq, representing Dammam, and Al-Qadisiyah, representing Khobar, stretches back decades, with both clubs representing a significant footballing legacy in the region. Al-Ettifaq, known as "The Knights of Ad-Dahna" or "The Commandos," is one of the founding clubs of Saudi football and boasts several historical achievements, most notably being the first Saudi team to win the league title undefeated in the 1982-1983 season, as well as the first Saudi club to win an international title, the Gulf Clubs Cup. On the other hand, Al-Qadisiyah, nicknamed "Banu Qadis," also has a distinguished history, having been founded in 1967. Among its most notable achievements is winning the Asian Cup Winners' Cup in 1994, making it one of the few Saudi clubs to have won a continental title. This shared history lends their encounters a special character that transcends mere technical and points considerations.
Al-Ettifaq's historical advantage in the Professional League
Looking at the head-to-head record between the two teams in the Saudi Professional League era, Al-Ettifaq holds a slight edge. Prior to tomorrow's match, the two sides have met 16 times, with Al-Ettifaq winning 7 matches, Al-Qadisiyah winning 5, and 4 ending in a draw. A notable aspect of this record is the remarkable parity in goals scored, with each team netting 22 against the other, reflecting the closely contested nature of their encounters. The late striker Yousef Al-Salem stands out as the derby's top scorer in the Professional League, having scored 5 goals while playing for Al-Ettifaq.
The importance of the match and its expected impact
This match holds immense importance for both teams in this season's league race. Each team is striving to improve its position in the standings, move away from the relegation zone, or compete for a higher ranking. Locally, the derby's outcome is the talk of the town in the Eastern Province for weeks, representing a source of immense pride for the winning fans. With the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars and coaches, such derbies have gained wider regional and international attention, highlighting the fierce competition and passionate fan base across the Kingdom, thus contributing to the league's growing reputation on the global stage.
