Decisive statements ahead of the Saudi football classic
At the pre-match press conference ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, known as the "Saudi Clasico," in the Saudi Professional League, Al-Hilal's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, spoke about the importance and difficulty of the match, emphasizing his great respect for their opponents. Jesus explained that his team's preparations were progressing excellently, noting that "tomorrow's match means a great deal to us, and we must win it to continue our journey towards achieving our goals." He added, "We have one final training session today to put the finishing touches on the plan we will use against a strong and well-organized opponent.".
Historical background and importance of El Clásico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match is not just an ordinary league game; it's a sporting event eagerly anticipated by millions both inside and outside the Kingdom. This classic encounter represents a historic rivalry between two of the biggest giants of Saudi and Asian football: Al-Hilal, representing the capital, Riyadh, and Al-Ittihad, the oldest club in Jeddah. Over the decades, their matches have witnessed fierce competition for local and continental titles, the emergence of legendary players, and unforgettable moments etched in the memories of fans. This season, the match takes on added significance, as Al-Hilal seeks to consolidate its lead and reclaim the title, while Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, aims to prove its strength and derail its traditional rival's progress.
The match's impact on the league's course
The outcome of this encounter carries significant weight both domestically and regionally. Domestically, a victory for Al-Hilal would represent a giant step towards securing the league title and widening the gap with their closest rivals. For Al-Ittihad, a positive result against the league leaders on their home ground would provide a tremendous morale boost for the team and its fans, potentially helping them regroup and compete for a top spot. Regionally, the Saudi Professional League is considered one of the most followed leagues in the region, and the presence of international stars in both teams – such as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic for Al-Hilal, and Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante for Al-Ittihad – gives the match a global dimension and makes it a highly anticipated event for football fans worldwide.
Star readiness and competitor assessment
Jesus praised the performances of his team's stars since the start of the season, singling out players like Malcom and Salem Al-Dawsari, saying, "They have been performing brilliantly since day one, working hard as a team, and I hope they continue in this manner." Regarding his assessment of Al-Ittihad, Jesus stated, "We must be at our absolute best against Al-Ittihad. They are a good, well-organized team, the reigning champions, and possess excellent players. We must be wary of them for the full ninety minutes." He noted that the international break and the absence of some players affected preparations, but he affirmed that the training camp had been very successful and that the team was ready to implement the tactical ideas they had practiced.
