French star Karim Benzema, the striker for Al-Ittihad Club, stirred up excitement in sports circles with a cryptic and brief message he posted on his social media accounts, hours before the start of the Saudi Clasico match between his team and their traditional rival Al-Hilal, as part of the twenty-second round of the Saudi Professional League at the “Kingdom Arena” stadium.
Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner, posted a picture of himself from team training with the caption: “It’s never over, it’s almost over .” This message was interpreted as a declaration of his complete readiness and a clear challenge ahead of the big match, especially given the inconsistent season he has been experiencing with his team, adding a psychological and suspenseful dimension to the game.
General context and historical background of El Clásico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad derby is considered one of the most prestigious and intense rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. This encounter represents a clash between two giants, Al-Hilal from Riyadh and Al-Ittihad from Jeddah, and always carries a fierce competitive spirit that extends beyond the pitch. Historically, matches between the two teams have been marked by intense rivalry and unforgettable moments, making it an event eagerly anticipated by millions of football fans in the region.
This season's match comes at a time of contrasting circumstances. Al-Hilal enters the game comfortably atop the league table, boasting a historic unbeaten run, while Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, are looking to improve their position and deliver a performance that satisfies their fans after a series of inconsistent results. This disparity in form only intensifies the importance of the match, as Al-Hilal aims to reaffirm their dominance, while Al-Ittihad hopes to halt their rival's winning streak and secure a significant morale-boosting victory.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The match holds immense importance both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the outcome of the derby could significantly impact the morale of both teams for the remainder of the season. A victory for Al-Ittihad would represent a tremendous boost for the team and could be a turning point in their season, while a win for Al-Hilal would mean a giant step towards securing the league title early and continuing their record-breaking run.
Internationally, with the Saudi league attracting world-class stars like Karim Benzema, Neymar (currently sidelined with an injury), N'Golo Kanté, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Sergej Milinković-Savić, the world's attention is focused on these major matches. Benzema's performance in this game will be under intense scrutiny, as fans expect him to deliver his usual high-level performance as a true leader for his team in difficult times. His pre-match message, therefore, serves as a promise to give his all in this prestigious tournament.
