Mutaib Al-Harbi, a player for Al-Hilal Club, expressed his complete satisfaction with the performance his team delivered during the first half of the anticipated Saudi Clasico against Al-Ittihad Club, which comes as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, known as the “Founding Day” round.
In exclusive statements he made to the “SSC” sports channel between the two halves of the match, Al-Harbi confirmed the superiority of “Al-Zaeem” saying: “Thank God, the first half was ours in every way, we completely controlled its course. And God willing, we aspire to present a better second half to secure the three points.”.
Al-Hilal finished the first half with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a goal from Brazilian star Malcom in the fifth minute, capitalizing on a strong start from the home side. This early goal put significant pressure on Al-Ittihad and made it easier for Al-Hilal to control the tempo of the game.
Historical context and importance of the Saudi Clasico
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. This encounter represents a historic clash between two giants, one from the capital, Riyadh (Al-Hilal), and the other from Jeddah (Al-Ittihad). Its importance transcends simply securing three points; it embodies a deep-rooted rivalry and competition for football supremacy in the Kingdom.
The expected impact of the match on the league's trajectory
This match is of paramount importance in the race for the Roshan League title this season. A victory for Al-Hilal would solidify their lead at the top of the table, making them the clear favorites to win the championship. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad will be aiming for a positive result to disrupt the league leaders' momentum and prove their ability to compete with the top teams, despite their inconsistent results this season. Internationally, millions around the world are watching this classic encounter, especially after the arrival of international stars in the Saudi League, adding a global dimension to the match and reflecting the significant development of Saudi football.
