Desert Derby Showdown: Can Ittihad Break Hilal’s Hex in a High-Stakes Clasico
21 October 2025
Gutsy Stakes and a Clasico Moment
Saudi fans are buzzing as Ittihad face Hilal on Friday at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, a marquee fixture in the sixth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
The Clasico arrives at a pivotal moment, with points tight and the title race taking shape as the two giants chase momentum early in the season.
Ittihad sit fifth with 10 points from three wins, a draw and one loss, while Hilal are fourth with 11 from three wins and two draws, setting up a clash that could tilt the table toward the top.
Although clashes between Saudi football's heavyweights rarely follow the script, several factors could push Ittihad to win and reclaim their aura against the archrival.
Gaining Fan Trust and Restoring the Winning Rhythm
Ittihad arrive under heavy pressure after back-to-back league slips: a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nasr followed by a 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha, leaving them fifth and under scrutiny.
A win over Hilal would be a turning point, restoring belief among players and supporters and signaling a fresh start in the defense of the title they clinched last season with steady performances.
Attention also centers on French star Karim Benzema, who has faced growing scrutiny after a crucial missed penalty against Al-Fayha, prompting questions about his readiness.
Affirming Supremacy and Breaking the Old Curse
After years under Hilal's dominance, Ittihad finally ended the hex by beating Hilal 4-1 in the last league meeting, in round 21 of the previous campaign.
The victory ended a drought of 1,415 days without beating the rivals in the league and helped restore some of the aura the club used to carry in direct confrontations.
Although Ittihad had eliminated Hilal from the King's Cup quarterfinals on penalties earlier, the league win carried more weight—earned on the pitch with momentum behind it.
The hope is that this win could mark the start of a renewed Ittihad identity under Conceicao, proving that the rival's dominance can be challenged again.
Back in the Title Race
Despite last season's championship, Ittihad currently sit fifth with 10 points after five rounds, while leaders Al-Nasr have 15 from five straight wins. A win on Friday would shift the balance and put Ittihad on level terms at the top, reigniting the title chase.
Conversely, a loss or draw would complicate matters early in the season, especially with upcoming domestic and Asian duties, turning the clash into a pivotal crossroads.
The First Real Test for Sergio Conceicao
The Portuguese coach faced a tough start after taking charge late, following a draw with Al-Fayha.
Yet a continental win this season—4-1 over Al-Shorta in the AFC Champions League—suggests a sharper imprint, and Conceicao knows the Clasico will be the true yardstick of his ability to guide Ittihad to big-stage success.
Victory would grant full tactical legitimacy in the eyes of management and fans; failure would reopen questions about the long-term direction under the Portuguese tactician.
Conceicao recognizes that triumph could herald a new explosive era for Ittihad, a fresh identity forged under his watch, and he will march into the game with every card in his drawer. The scoreboard, ideally, will reflect the swagger you’ve heard about—plain talk, fewer excuses, more goals.
Punchline 1: If this clash had a sniper, his target would be the back of the net—and he’d probably take a selfie with it.
Punchline 2: They say football is a team sport; apparently, it’s also a sport where suspense is paid in drama and coffee cups that never empty.
