Al-Ittihad faces a major challenge in its upcoming match against its traditional rival Al-Nasr, as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. The team has been dealt a painful blow with the confirmed absence of two of its important attacking players, namely striker Saleh Al-Shehri and Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn, due to their incomplete recovery from recent injuries.
The absence of this duo is a significant tactical blow for the coach, especially in a match of the magnitude of El Clásico, which demands the full strength of his squad. Both players have performed well this season; Saleh Al-Shehri has featured in 19 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 514 minutes of play. Steven Bergwijn, on the other hand, has been even more influential, appearing in 20 matches, scoring eight goals and assisting on two others in 1644 minutes. This underscores the considerable void their absence will leave in Al-Ittihad's attack.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Nassr match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the most prestigious and intense matches in the history of Saudi football. The rivalry between these two giants stretches back decades, and their matches are always fiercely contested and thrilling, both on the pitch and in the stands, which are filled with the chants of passionate fans. This season, the match takes on added significance due to the remarkable development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars, drawing the attention of football fans worldwide to these major encounters.
Expected impact on the two teams' league trajectory
This match comes at a crucial time for both teams. Al-Nassr enters the game in second place with 46 points, just one point behind league leaders Al-Hilal, meaning a win is their only option to maintain pressure and chase the top spot. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad sits in sixth place with 34 points and is looking to improve their position in the standings and return to winning ways to secure a place in next season's Asian competitions. These absences will test the depth of Al-Ittihad's squad and the coach's ability to find the right tactical solutions to compensate for influential players like Al-Shehri and Bergwijn against a formidable attacking force led by Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, “The Shining Jewel,” is scheduled to host this football summit on Friday evening, at 8:30 PM, in a match that promises a lot of excitement and suspense for football fans in the Kingdom and beyond.
