Saudi Pro League 'Al Clasico': Al Hilal vs Al Ittihad Clash with High Stakes

Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal and Al Ittihad face off in high-stakes 'Al Clasico'

The Saudi Pro League's 'Al Clasico' sees two football giants, last season's runners-up Al Hilal and reigning champions Al Ittihad, clash on Friday in Jeddah. Both teams have struggled with consistency early in the 2025-26 season, currently occupying 4th and 5th places respectively in the league standings. This much-anticipated match carries significant implications for their domestic and continental campaigns.

Key Points:

• Al Hilal, reinforced by coach Simone Inzaghi and new signings like Theo Hernandez and Darwin Nunez, have yet to fully realize their potential, winning three and drawing two in the league but maintaining perfect form in the AFC Champions League with three consecutive wins.

• Al Ittihad bounced back from early ACL setbacks with a 4-1 comeback victory over Iraq’s Al Shorta, overcoming a man disadvantage and a goal deficit; however, inconsistency remains an issue with three wins, one draw, and one loss in the league.

• Injury concerns loom over key players: Al Ittihad’s Karim Benzema is doubtful with a calf injury, while Al Hilal’s Joao Cancelo is sidelined and Salem Al-Dawsari is doubtful due to a hip problem.

• Al Hilal lead the Saudi Pro League in expected goals (xG) but have not translated this fully into goals compared to league leaders Al Nassr; Al Ittihad boasts the highest possession statistics in the league.

• Transfer rumors swirl around Al Hilal’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, attracting interest from Chelsea and Juventus, while Saudi clubs remain interested in Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes; Karim Benzema is linked with a reunion under Jose Mourinho at Benfica.

Intense Rivalry and Recent Form Challenges

The fixture between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, often heralded as 'Al Clasico,' is among the most fiery encounters in Saudi Arabian football. Despite their status, both teams have underperformed relative to expectations this season. Al Hilal made strategic summer acquisitions aiming to dethrone Al Ittihad but have struggled to find consistent rhythm in domestic matches, though their continental form remains impressive with victories that include a 3-1 win over Al Sadd.

Al Ittihad, currently striving to defend their league crown, found success in the AFC Champions League only after a shaky start. Their commanding 4-1 victory on the road at Al Shorta in Baghdad highlighted resilience, particularly since it was achieved despite playing with ten men after Danilo Pereira was sent off early in the second half. Manager Laurent Blanc, however, faces challenges; star striker Karim Benzema is battling a calf injury and a decline in form that could significantly impact Ittihad's offensive potency.

Tactical Setups and Player Availability

The match setup promises a tactical battle with notable players on both sides. Al Ittihad are expected to start with goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, a defensive line featuring Jan-Carlo Simic, Saad Al Mosa, Danilo Pereira (pending suspension considerations), and Mario Mitaj. Their midfield powerhouse combines N'Golo Kanté, Houssem Aouar, and Fabinho, with attacking threats including Moussa Diaby and Saleh Al-Shehri.

Al Hilal’s setup includes goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and a backline anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and Theo Hernandez. Midfield creativity is spearheaded by Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with Marcos Leonardo leading the attack. The absence of Joao Cancelo due to a hamstring injury forces adjustments on defense, and doubts remain over Salem Al-Dawsari's hip injury.

Statistical Insights and Historical Context

Al Hilal hold an edge in recent head-to-head matches, winning seven of their last ten encounters against Ittihad, boasting 25 goals to their rival's 15. This historical dominance adds psychological weight to the fixture.

From a metrics perspective, Al Hilal tops the Pro League in expected goals at 15.73, although they have only converted 15 goals closely behind Al Nassr’s 19. Conversely, Al Ittihad’s identity revolves around possession mastery, averaging 7.8 passes per possession this season, the highest in the league, reflecting a patient, control-based style of play.

Transfer Rumors and Their Potential Impact

Off the pitch, transfer speculation adds intrigue. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Al Hilal’s midfield fulcrum, is reportedly attracting suitors from Chelsea and Juventus, which could unsettle the club. Meanwhile, Saudi clubs continue monitoring Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of the January transfer window, underscoring the ambitious spending strategies in the region.

Karim Benzema is also the subject of rumors suggesting a reunion with José Mourinho at Benfica, which could influence his availability and motivation for Al Ittihad in upcoming fixtures.

AFC Champions League: Al Ittihad’s Comeback and Other Regional Matches

Al Ittihad’s 4-1 victory over Al Shorta marked a significant turnaround in their AFC Champions League campaign after two initial defeats. Despite conceding early via a set-piece goal, Al Ittihad responded swiftly through Moussa Diaby’s equalizer and subsequently took command thanks to Fabinho’s long-range free kick.

Playing with ten men for much of the second half, the Saudi champions demonstrated superior quality and tactical discipline, with Houssem Aouar scoring twice, assisted by Diaby’s dynamic runs.

Other notable results in the competition included Al Ahli’s commanding 4-0 victory over Qatar’s Al Gharafa, propelled by Franck Kessie’s brace, maintaining their top position in the West Region group stage. Additionally, Al Wahda and Tractor secured wins in their respective matches, signaling strong regional competition continuing through the week.

Coaches’ Perspectives and Team Missions

Al Shorta coach Moamen Soliman accepted responsibility for his team's defeat but remains optimistic about progressing in the tournament, emphasizing his decision to pursue victory over cautious play. He acknowledged the disparity in resources compared to Al Ittihad but praised his players' character and performance under pressure.

Former AC Milan coach Sérgio Conceição, newly managing Al Ittihad, expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparation and execution, highlighting thorough analysis and the motivational atmosphere he fostered during the match.

Broadcasting and Matchday Details

The 'Al Clasico' match will take place at Al Inma Bank Stadium in Jeddah on Friday, October 24, at 8:00 p.m. CAT. It will be broadcast live on ESPN Africa for Sub-Saharan audiences and on FanCode in India, with live updates also available through ESPN platforms.

Conclusion: A Battle with High Stakes

As Al Hilal and Al Ittihad prepare to renew their storied rivalry, the match represents more than just three league points—it is a contest of pride, momentum, and strategic supremacy amid a turbulent start for both teams. With star players nursing injuries, coaching tactics under scrutiny, and continental ambitions in play, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter that could shape the trajectory of the Saudi Pro League and determine the balance of power in Saudi football for the foreseeable future.