All eyes in Saudi football are on the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, where Al- Hilal their arch-rivals Al-Ahli in the highlight match of the upcoming round of the Saudi Professional League , also known as the "Saudi Clasico." As the highly anticipated clash draws near, uncertainty surrounds the participation of Al-Ahli's stalwart Turkish defender, Merih Demiral , causing concern among the club's fans.
General context and historical background of the event
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli derby is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Saudi football history, bringing together two of the Kingdom's biggest clubs with a rich history of championships and achievements. Their matches have always been characterized by intense competition, excitement, and fierce rivalry both on and off the field, and their results often have a direct impact on the league championship. This season, the derby has taken on added significance due to the international signings that have strengthened both teams' squads, making the Saudi Professional League a focus of global attention, as each team boasts a constellation of international stars.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The importance of this match lies in its direct confrontation for the top spot. Al-Hilal enters the game leading by just three points over Al-Ahli, meaning that a victory for the "Leaders" would solidify their grip on first place and widen the gap, while an Al-Ahli win would ignite the competition and put them level on points with Al-Hilal. The absence of a player of Demiral's caliber, who has been a rock in Al-Ahli's defense since joining from Atalanta, could significantly impact the balance of power. Al-Ahli's defense will have to contend with the strongest attack in the league, spearheaded by players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Malcom, and their task will be considerably more difficult without their Turkish captain.
Latest medical developments
Despite the intensive efforts of Al Ahly's medical staff to prepare Demiral through a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation program, a final decision regarding his participation remains undecided. The sporting community awaits the final medical report, which will determine whether the player is fit to compete in a match of this physical and mental intensity. It's worth noting that the first leg between the two teams ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, setting the stage for another fiery encounter in the return leg, with the final word on Demiral's availability still pending.
