Al-Hilal's Portuguese manager, Jorge Jesus, has announced the starting lineup for the highly anticipated derby against Al-Ahli, a top match in the Saudi Professional League, to be held at the Kingdom Arena amidst great fan anticipation. The match is of paramount importance to both teams in the race for the league title this season.
Historical context and the importance of El Clásico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli match is one of the most prominent and prestigious in the history of Saudi football, often referred to as the "Clásico." This match represents a historic rivalry between two of the biggest names in Saudi sports, and is always characterized by its competitiveness, excitement, and massive fan attendance. With the significant development of the Saudi Professional League (SPL) and the presence of a constellation of international stars in both teams, the Clásico has gained a new dimension and global media attention, making it a focal point for fans worldwide.
Al-Hilal's official lineup:
Jesus decided to play his strongest hand in an effort to confirm his superiority and continue his amazing winning streak, and the lineup was as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou
- Defense: Saud Abdulhamid, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani
- Midfield: Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom Felipe
- Forwards: Michael Delgado, Salem Al-Dawsari, Aleksandar Mitrovic
Koulibaly's return and its impact on the defense
The official Al-Hilal lineup saw the return of Senegalese defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly to the heart of the defense after his absence. His return is a tremendous technical and morale boost for the team, as he provides the back line with significant solidity and experience in dealing with Al-Ahli's attacking prowess. Coach Jesus is counting on Koulibaly's leadership and defensive organization to neutralize the threat posed by the opposing strikers.
The match's impact on the league's course
Al-Hilal enters this match comfortably atop the league standings, bolstered by a historic and unprecedented winning streak that has positioned them as the leading contenders for the title. A victory today would represent a giant step towards securing the championship early and send a strong message to all their rivals. On the other hand, Al-Ahli, one of the most prominent contenders this season, seeks a positive result to close the gap, strengthen their position among the top teams, and prove their ability to keep pace with the league leaders and halt their winning run. This adds a crucial and decisive dimension to the encounter, potentially influencing the shape of the competition in the remaining rounds.
