Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, face a significant challenge ahead of their highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Al-Hilal in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. This crucial encounter, known as the "Saudi Clasico," comes at a critical time for Al-Ittihad, who are suffering from a long list of key absences that could severely weaken their squad against the league leaders.
The list of absentees includes prominent names who form the main pillars of coach Marcelo Gallardo’s squad, most notably the French star and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema , in addition to the Brazilian defender Luiz Felipe, Ahmed Bamsoud, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Abdullah Al-Jadaani, Awad Al-Nashri, and Saad Al-Mousa, which raises the number of confirmed absences to at least seven players, which represents a strong blow to the team’s ambitions to achieve a positive result.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal is more than just a league match; it represents a new chapter in one of the most prestigious rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. The rivalry between these two giants spans decades, marked by epic battles for every domestic and continental title. This match always garners immense media and public attention, given the overwhelming popularity of both teams and the intense rivalry and excitement it generates both on and off the pitch.
This season, the match takes on added significance. Al-Hilal, under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, is delivering exceptional performances and comfortably leads the league table, aiming to take another step closer to securing the title. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad, despite their inconsistent results this season, seeks to reaffirm their status as defending champions and inflict their rivals' first league defeat. Furthermore, the three points are crucial in their fight for a top finish and qualification for next season's AFC Champions League.
The expected impact of absences on the course of the season
These absences are expected to have a profound impact on Al-Ittihad's performance in the derby. The absence of a player of Karim Benzema's caliber deprives the team of its attacking prowess and vast experience in crucial matches, while Luiz Felipe's absence weakens the back line. Coach Gallardo will find himself forced to search for alternative solutions and new formations to counter Al-Hilal's complete team, which is currently enjoying its best form both technically and physically.
Regionally and internationally, the Saudi League has become a focus of global attention after attracting world-class stars. Therefore, the outcome of the Clasico not only impacts the domestic title race but also reflects the fierce competition within the league. A victory for Al-Hilal would solidify their image as a dominant force, while any positive result for Al-Ittihad would provide a significant morale boost and could prove to be a turning point in their challenging season.
