Clash of Prestige: Ittihad Seeks European Flair in Saudi Clasico as Benzema & Nunez Push for Form
22 October 2025
The Clasico Countdown: Ittihad vs Al Hilal
In a pre-match press conference, Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao outlined Ittihad's plan for the upcoming clash with Al Hilal in the sixth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
Form, Fitness, and the Stakes
Hosting Al Hilal on Friday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Ittihad chase a domestic rebound and their first league win under the new manager who replaced Laurent Blanc after last season's domestic double.
Conceicao said, "Two important and challenging matches await us at the league and cup level."
He recalled their recent Asian Champions League win, where they overturned a deficit to beat Al Shorta 4-1, noting that Benzema had earlier missed a penalty that could have altered the result.
"We know this is a short window to face true title contenders, but every match has its own conditions and we must respect that," he added.
He continued: "The previous game was not easy despite the big win; respecting the opponent and executing our game plan contributed to our success, and our display reflected that reality."
Conceicao emphasized a focus on high pressing and said training has boosted the players' fitness, while stressing that he trusts all available players and that opportunities should be earned by readiness, not by name alone.
He also explained his playing philosophy: "The approach relies on high-pressure tempo; we therefore increased the players' conditioning in daily sessions."
"My trust in the squad is complete, and things will move forward with everyone's cooperation."
Injuries
The coach revealed the injury statuses of Karim Benzema and Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn, both still in rehabilitation programs, with decisions on their involvement to be made on match night.
"We will see their readiness on the night of the game," he said.
He also thanked the supporters for their warm welcome since day one, noting the affection and energy in the gym and throughout the club, comparing the environment to top European sides that continually chase victories with genuine and powerful fan support.
Heading into the Clasico, Ittihad sit fifth with 10 points, just one behind fourth-placed Hilal, while leaders Nasr have 15.
Hilal’s Spotlight: Darwin Nunez’s First Clasico
Saudi fans are looking forward to Darwin Nunez’s first Clasico with Al Hilal, set for Friday at the Enmaa Stadium as part of the Roshen Saudi Pro League’s sixth round.
Despite possessing the tools of a complete forward, his goal tally has not yet satisfied supporters’ expectations.
Nunez’s summer move from Liverpool has drawn mixed reactions due to missed chances, especially in the third round against Al Ahli, which ended 3-3. The Clasico presents a fresh opportunity to prove himself on a big stage.
From his early days at Penarol to Benfica and Liverpool, Nunez has accumulated Clasico-like experiences, with notable stints against Porto and Manchester United. His Liverpool chapter included a memorable 7-0 win over United in 2022-23, where he scored twice.
Across his Clasico journey, Nunez has not suffered many defeats; his only notable setback came in the 2023-2024 League Cup quarterfinals, a 3-4 extra-time loss that remains a learning moment in a career full of big moments.
Darwin’s Clasico narrative is still being written, and Friday could be a defining chapter as he tries to translate talent into tangible impact for Hilal.
