Derby Fire and History: Jeddah’s Classic Clash Rewrites Saudi Pro League Drama
9 November 2025
The eighth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League ended with more chatter off the pitch than on it, as fans filled social media with dramatic tifos and sharp commentary.
The Jeddah Derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli topped the agenda, not only for the rivalry but for two striking tifos: one signaling defiance against relegation and another celebrating a milestone of five million attendees in stadiums across the country.
Additionally, reports noted an unusually early departure of some Al-Ittihad supporters as the whistle neared its end.
In this installment of Trend of the Round, we review the moments that captured attention online after round eight fixtures.
Al-Ittihad Tifo
Fans described the night as historic as Al-Ittihad supporters waved flags and banners, underscoring a sense of reach and pride while pushing for a five million attendance milestone across Saudi stadiums.
Journalist Khalid Al-Aliyan highlighted the moment as dramatic, noting the flare emoji that accompanied the post and the energy in the stands.
Other voices joked about a possible Guinness record for derby tifos, while supporters praised the crowd's sportsmanship and fervor.
One post celebrated the unity and loyalty of Al-Ittihad fans, insisting their devotion powers the stadiums — even as some questioned whether attendance alone tells the whole story.
Fans teased that the derby’s romance lies in fans’ unwavering passion, proving the real show happens in the stands.
Early Exit
Some observers spoke about an unusual pattern of exits by Al-Ittihad supporters, wondering why the atmosphere shifted before the final whistle.
Other voices described the players as cautious, with neither side taking risks as the fixture felt more like a statement clash than a thriller.
The Centennial Derby
Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad added another chapter by contesting the 100th derby in league play.
The rivalry dates to a 1938 friendly that ended zero-zero, with finals and league clashes shaping the saga over the decades.
Across 100 league meetings, each club has 33 wins and 34 draws; Ittihad has scored 135 goals to Al-Ahli 134. A 2022-23 league interruption marked a rare pause in the derby’s long arc.
A Tepid Derby
From the opening whistle, the game felt cautious, with both teams avoiding unnecessary risks and keeping most action in midfield.
Opportunities were scarce and moments of inspiration rare, leaving many fans disappointed by the lack of end-to-end drama typical of this fixture.
Even when key players appeared, their impact did not deliver the expected spark, and the derby felt closer to a chess match than a football festival.
Punchline 1: If football is theatre, tonight’s show had a standing ovation for the tifos and a polite shrug from the players.
Punchline 2: In a derby, even the pauses have sponsors; tonight the silence was brought to you by patience and a sea of banners.
