Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Hilal, has finalized his decision regarding the foreign players who will participate in the highly anticipated derby against Al-Ittihad, in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. This match, to be held at the Kingdom Arena, is of paramount importance in the title race, as Al-Hilal seeks to solidify its position at the top of the standings and continue its impressive winning streak.
Jesus has settled on a squad featuring his top international stars to ensure dominance in this crucial match. The final list includes the outstanding Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou , the solid Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly , and the Portuguese midfielder Rúben Neves , alongside the Serbian star Sergej Savić . In attack, the coach has relied on the skillful Brazilian Malcom Felipe , his compatriot Michael Delgado , and the prolific Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović .
General context and historical background of the event
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the most prestigious and intense matches in the history of Saudi and Asian football. It's not just a three-point game; it's a football battle imbued with intense rivalry and a long-standing history of competition between two of Riyadh and Jeddah's biggest clubs. The 2023-2024 season witnessed a significant leap forward in the level of the Saudi league with the influx of top international stars, adding a global dimension to this Clasico and making it a focal point for millions worldwide. The match serves as a showcase for the strength of Saudi Arabia's ambitious sports project.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, the result of this match represents a crucial turning point in Al-Hilal's quest to reclaim the league title. A victory would widen the gap with their closest rivals, Al-Nassr, and send a strong message to the rest of the competition that "The Boss" is determined to secure the title early. For Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, a win would be an opportunity to salvage their faltering season and restore their pride against their traditional rivals. Regionally and internationally, this match serves as a marketing showcase for the Roshan League, highlighting the quality of international players and the high technical level of the competition, thus reinforcing its status as one of the major leagues that attracts both talent and viewers. The coaches' tactical decisions, particularly regarding the selection of foreign players, are subject to intense scrutiny from critics and fans, adding further excitement and anticipation to this footballing derby.
