Derby Day Sparks in Jeddah: Can Conceição Turn Al-Ittihad’s Fortunes in the Saudi Clash?

Pre-derby Buzz and Standings

Social media exploded with feverish anticipation as Saudi fans await the Jeddah Derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, the marquee clash of the Saudi Pro League round eight, at the Al-Inma Stadium. The two teams sit just outside the top spots: Al-Ittihad in eighth with 11 points, and Al-Ahli in sixth with 13, setting the scene for a battle that could reshape the table in the blink of an offside flag.

The derby also marks the league debut of Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição for Al-Ittihad, who has yet to secure a league win since arriving in Jeddah, drawing two and losing one in three league outings. He faces his German counterpart, Matías Jaissle, a foe admired by many in the stands and nicknamed the “master of big clashes” by some Al-Ahli fans, for good reason. The stage is set for a chess match with plenty of fireworks and a crowd that loves a good plot twist.

Hours before kickoff, Koora’s stands and social media were flooded with comments and analyses reflecting the mood of both camps. Some believe Conceição can clinch his first league victory in his first Saudi league appearance, while others warn that Jaissle has a few tricks up his sleeve to trap the newcomers. The chatter is loud, but the ball will be the final verdict.

We peek into the crowd’s voice and the punditry marching toward decision time, to see whether the derby will deliver a statement win or another dramatic standoff that leaves everyone debating until the next kickoff.

History, Reactions, and Key Facts

The rivalry between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli runs deep, dating back to 1938 when the two clubs met in a friendly in Jeddah that finished goalless and left fans dreaming of the days when trophies would grace their cabinets instead of empty banners. The first final between the sides came in 1958 for the Crown Prince Cup, won by Ittihad 3-2 in front of more than 12,000 spectators at the Ziban Stadium in Jeddah, a memory many fans still cite with pride.

In a landmark season, the derby reached its “century” in 1976-1977, when Ahli claimed a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad. The most recent league meeting ended in a 2-2 draw, a reminder that the rivalry remains finely balanced. Across 99 league clashes so far, Al-Ittihad has 33 wins to Al-Ahli’s 32, with 34 draws, and the scoreline tells the tale of a fierce, often unpredictable rivalry; the two sides have combined to score 135 goals for Al-Ittihad and 133 for Al-Ahli.

The intensity was heightened when the derby took an unexpected hiatus in the 2022-2023 season after Al-Ahli were relegated to the first division, a historic blip in a fixture defined by rhythm and swagger. As clubs, fans, and media circle back to face-off in the eighth round of the season, expectations are high that this edition may add a fresh chapter to a storied narrative. The stadium will be chock-full, the atmosphere electric, and the players under the microscope as every pass, dribble, and shot is weighed against the weight of history.

What’s certain is that this derby is more than 90 minutes of football. It’s a reminder that in Jeddah, football is not just a game; it’s culture, pride, and a loud, colorful conversation that never truly ends. Will Conceição write his first league win in his Saudi adventure, or will Jaissle’s game plan outsmart him on the day? The answer will come on the pitch, but the prelude has already written its own dramatic arc.

Punchline time: This derby is so heated that even the fans’ scarves come with built-in air conditioning. If you blink, you might miss a point—the ball doesn’t wait for your coffee break. And if the match ends 0-0, the referee’s whistle will probably file for overtime—because nothing cools down a crowd like a dramatic extra minute.