On Monday evening, all eyes of Saudi and Arab football fans will be on the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the capital, as it hosts a highly anticipated clash between league leaders Al-Hilal and their guests Al-Ahli, who are eager to make a strong comeback in the competition. This match is a rescheduled fixture from the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. This game is more than just about three points in the league race; it's a new chapter in the story of the "Saudi Clasico," one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the history of Saudi football.
Historical background of the clash of the giants
The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli stretches back decades, with the two clubs forming two major poles in various local and continental competitions. Historically, Al-Hilal holds the advantage in their encounters in the Saudi Professional League. Out of 33 previous matches, "The Boss" has managed to secure victory on 16 occasions, while "The Royal" has only won 5 matches, with 12 ending in a draw. The scoring statistics also reflect this dominance, with Al-Hilal's attack having netted 59 goals compared to Al-Ahli's 36, giving the home team a psychological and historical advantage before kickoff.
The importance of the match in the title race
The match enters a crucial phase of the league. Al-Hilal sits atop the standings with 46 points, maintaining an unbeaten record of 14 wins and 4 draws. However, the team has experienced a slight dip in form in the last two rounds, dropping four valuable points, which has narrowed the gap with its pursuers and intensified the competition. Al-Hilal, under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, seeks to return to winning ways and widen the gap once again, relying on a constellation of stars, most notably Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, midfield maestros Rúben Neves (Portugal) and Sergej Milinković-Savić, in addition to the formidable attacking force of Brazilian Malcom and Serbian Aleksandar Mitrović, supported by Salem Al-Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno.
In contrast, Al-Ahli is enjoying a brilliant run under coach Matthias Jäissle, currently sitting in third place with 43 points. The team is coming off an impressive eight-match winning streak, propelling them back into the title race. Al-Ahli aims to secure their ninth consecutive victory, which would put them level on points with Al-Hilal at the top of the table and send a strong message to all their rivals. To achieve a positive result, Al-Ahli will rely on their solid defense, anchored by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Brazilian Roger Ibañez, the strength of their midfield led by Ivorian Franck Kessié, and the exceptional individual skills of Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, and Brazilian Roberto Firmino.
International impact and global reach
The Saudi Professional League is no longer just a local event; it has become a global phenomenon thanks to attracting some of the brightest stars in world football. The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli derby exemplifies this transformation, bringing together top-class players who have previously shone in major European leagues. The match is expected to draw a massive audience, not only in the Arab world but across the globe, further solidifying the Saudi league's position as one of the fastest-growing and most exciting leagues on the international stage.
