All eyes of Saudi and Asian football fans are on the Kingdom Arena, which will host a highly anticipated clash between Saudi football giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," carries special significance that transcends the mere three points at stake, given the long history of intense rivalry and fierce competition between the two teams.
Historical background and importance of El Clásico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad derby is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the history of Arab football. It represents not only a battle for Saudi football supremacy but also a cultural and sporting rivalry between the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. Over the decades, the two teams have delivered unforgettable matches, deciding championships and showcasing the brilliance of football legends, making it an event eagerly anticipated by millions each season. With the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars, the rivalry has intensified, giving the derby a global dimension, followed by a wide audience from around the world.
Al-Ittihad's lineup and expectations for the match
In this context, Al-Ittihad's head coach, Sergio Conceição, revealed his starting lineup for this crucial challenge. Al-Ittihad aims to secure a valuable victory in this match, which would strengthen their position in the league standings and provide a significant morale boost for the remainder of the season. The official lineup is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
- Defense: Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadesh, Ahmed Sharahili, Mario Mitai
- Midfielders: Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Fabinho Tavares, Mohamedou Doumbia, Houssem Aouar
- Attackers: Moussa Diaby, Youssef En-Nesyri
The impact of injured players returning and the importance of the match
The squad saw the return of two key players, most notably the speedy winger Moussa Diaby and full-back Mario Mitaï, after recovering from injuries that sidelined them in the previous AFC Champions League match. The return of this duo is expected to give the team a significant boost, as Diaby is known for his ability to penetrate defenses with his pace and skill, while Mitaï adds defensive solidity and balance to the left flank. Securing a positive result against league leaders Al-Hilal would not only improve Al-Ittihad's position but would also send a strong message to their rivals about the team's ability to compete with the top clubs and vie for the remaining titles this season.
