RIYADH — As excitement builds for the highly anticipated Saudi Clasico, fans and players alike are keenly aware of the storied history and fierce rivalry between Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. This match is not just another game; it represents a critical juncture for both teams in their pursuit of dominance in the Saudi Pro League. For Al Ittihad, the weight of history is palpable. Since 2016, the Jeddah giants have struggled to assert themselves against their Riyadh rivals, managing only one win in 24 encounters. The record, which shows Al Hilal winning 18 of those matches, casts a long shadow over their confidence. Indeed, Al Hilal has been on a seven-match winning streak against Al Ittihad, statistics that reflect the intense competitive nature of this clash. However, Al Ittihad enters this encounter buoyed by a stunning 7-1 victory over Al Wehda. This was the club's first time scoring seven goals in a match since 2011, with captain Karim Benzema showcasing his leadership by netting a hat-trick. The win marked a significant turnaround for a team that finished a disappointing fifth last season, trailing Al Hilal by a staggering 42 points — the largest gap ever recorded between the two rivals. New signings like Moussa Diaby and Steven Bergwijn have injected fresh energy into the squad. Diaby's record of four assists in a single game against Al Wehda made him only the second player in league history to achieve this feat, while Aouar has been a consistent threat, scoring in every match this season. This newfound attacking prowess instills hope among Al Ittihad supporters that they can finally overcome their historical struggles against Al Hilal. The upcoming match bears a striking resemblance to the previous season's first encounter, where Al Ittihad had an early advantage before a second-half collapse led to a 4-3 defeat. Al Hilal, inspired by the brilliance of Aleksandar Mitrovic, turned the game on its head with a remarkable comeback, altering the trajectory of both teams' seasons. The memory of that game lingers, reminding Al Ittihad of the fine margins that can define a season. As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes are higher than ever. Both Al Ittihad and Al Hilal come into the match with perfect records, each securing three wins out of three. The game is set to take place at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Saturday, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric, with both fan bases eager to see their team claim bragging rights. As always, this fixture promises to deliver drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. The history between these two clubs ensures that the stakes are high, and every touch of the ball will be scrutinized by passionate fans. Regardless of the outcome, the clash between Al Ittihad and Al Hilal will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the season, influencing the trajectory of both teams as they vie for supremacy in Saudi football. Will Al Ittihad finally break their losing streak, or will Al Hilal continue to assert their dominance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Clasico never fails to deliver excitement and drama.
