Belgian star Yannick Carrasco, a player for Al-Shabab, made bold statements that ignited the atmosphere ahead of the highly anticipated Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Professional League. Speaking on the "Al-Muntasaf" program, Carrasco expressed his complete confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory and claim all three points, defying predictions that favor league leaders Al-Hilal.
Carrasco said, “I try to win every match, whether it’s against Al-Hilal or anyone else. I know some people prefer Al-Hilal to beat Al-Shabab, but my team is strong, has top-level players in every position, and we will get the three points.” These statements reflect the player’s high fighting spirit and his desire to prove the strength of “Al-Shabab” against the league’s strongest teams.
Context of the confrontation: A historic derby in a new era
This match holds special significance as it is part of the Riyadh Derby, one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Saudi football history. Matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab have always been a stage for intense competition and have witnessed unforgettable historical moments. With the current boom in the Saudi Professional League, featuring international stars, the derby has taken on an international dimension, with fans around the world eagerly anticipating the clash between stars like Carrasco and Al-Hilal's formidable squad.
Al Shabab enters the match with high morale, seeking to achieve its third consecutive victory under its new coach, after two important wins against Damac and Al Riyadh in the previous rounds, which gave the team a great confidence boost to improve its position in the standings.
The biggest challenge: Facing Al-Hilal, the record holders
On the other hand, Al-Hilal represents the toughest challenge for any team in the league this season. The "Leaders" are delivering exceptional performances, achieving a historic and consecutive winning streak that has placed them comfortably at the top of the standings. Al-Hilal aims to continue their unbeaten run and solidify their dominance of the title. If Al-Shabab manages to halt this remarkable streak, it would be a major achievement that would resonate throughout local and international sporting circles.
The importance of the match and its expected impact
The importance of this match extends far beyond just the three points. For Al-Shabab, a victory against the league leaders would represent a massive morale boost and send a powerful message to their rivals that they are capable of competing with the top teams. For Al-Hilal, a win would mean taking another step towards securing the title early and continuing their record-breaking run. Internationally, this encounter provides further evidence of the increasing competitiveness of the Saudi league and its ability to attract top talent and deliver world-class football.
