Moroccan star Youssef En-Nesyri, the Al-Ittihad striker, confirmed his team's complete readiness for the highly anticipated "Clásico" against arch-rivals Al-Hilal, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. En-Nesyri's statements were brimming with confidence after leading his team to an important continental victory, emphasizing that their focus has now shifted entirely to the major domestic battle to be held at the Kingdom Arena.
In his post-match comments following the resounding 4-1 victory over Al Sadd of Qatar in the AFC Champions League, En-Nesyri said: “We finished our mission in Asia by defeating Al Sadd and securing the three points. We will continue working to improve even further in the coming period and maintain our winning streak in all competitions.” The Moroccan international striker added, explaining that the continental campaign is now behind them and they are focusing on the next challenge: “There will be another tough match for Al Ittihad against Al Hilal. We have put the Al Sadd game behind us, and our focus is now on the upcoming match and securing the three points.”.
Historical context: The Saudi Arabian football classic
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal match is more than just an ordinary league fixture; it's the "Saudi Arabian football classic," steeped in a long history of intense rivalry between two of the Kingdom's biggest sporting giants. This match represents a clash between Jeddah (Al-Ittihad's home ground) and the capital, Riyadh (Al-Hilal's home ground), and its significance extends far beyond the three points at stake, reaching into the realm of dominance and a battle of attrition eagerly anticipated by millions of football fans across the Arab world.
The importance of the confrontation in the title race
The match takes on added significance given the current context of the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention after attracting international stars. Al-Hilal, the league leaders, aim to extend their winning streak and widen the gap at the top, while Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, are eager to close the gap and prove their ability to retain their title in a direct confrontation with their main rivals. The outcome of this match could have a decisive impact on the title race this season, representing a tremendous morale boost for the winner and a potentially costly setback for the loser.
Regional and international impact
Regionally and internationally, Saudi league matches are no longer a local affair. With stars of the caliber of Youssef En-Nesyri, Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Saudi Clasico has become a global sporting event broadcast in dozens of countries. This match reflects the purchasing power and significant development of Saudi sports within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, making it a crucial marketing platform showcasing the strength and appeal of the Saudi league on the world stage.
