Casablanca Derby Dazzles the Crowd but Ends in a Fiery 0-0 Stalemate
29 October 2025
A 0-0 Classic in Casablanca
The 139th Casablanca derby between Wydad and Raja ended in a goalless draw at the Mohammed V Stadium, witnessed by a capacity crowd that surpassed fifty thousand spectators.
Raja sat second in the standings with 12 points after six matches (three wins and three draws, no losses), while Wydad stood fourth with 11 points after five games (three wins and two draws). Although expectations pointed to a high-quality chess match, the tempo remained measured and chances scarce, as a string of stoppages due to fireworks and flares disrupted the flow.
Security and international media presence surrounded the arena, with tickets selling out days in advance and authorities keeping a tight perimeter around the venue to avert upheaval.
Ziyech Lights the Stands from the VIP Box
The atmosphere exploded when Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech arrived in the VIP section with his mother, amid whispers of a potential move to Wydad. His appearance drew prolonged chants from both sides, turning the stands into a living highlight reel.
The starting lineups were notable for Raja beginning with no foreign players, while Wydad fielded four foreign professionals. Before kickoff, captain Badr Benoun withdrew due to a sudden muscle injury, shaping the early tactical setup for both teams.
Domestic national team coaches Walid Regragui and Tarek Sktoui watched from the stands to evaluate players for upcoming duties, adding extra edge to the evening’s stakes.
The second half saw Wydad pressing with more purpose, creating a couple of sharp chances that were narrowly saved by vigilant Raja defending. Raja offered stubborn resistance, with limited opportunities of their own, and the match settled into a cautious rhythm as the clock wore on.
Late in the game, a fresh volley of fireworks and smoke paused play again, threatening the spectacle and prompting a lengthy stoppage that could lead to sanctions from the disciplinary committee.
The final whistle confirmed a draw that leaves both teams unbeaten but not advancing their causes in the table, while the crowd retained memories of a vibrant, visually spectacular night in Casablanca where the terraces stole the show from the scoreboard.
In a city that loves its football, this derby reinforced that sometimes the atmosphere is the real winner—and the only thing that found the back of the net tonight was the skyline of sparks and smoke.
Punchline 1: If the scoreboard told fewer lies than the smoke machines, we’d all be calling this a 1-0 victory for ambiance.
Punchline 2: In Casablanca, even a goalless night can feel like a season finale—just add fireworks and a standing ovation for the atmosphere.
