Pre-Clasico Sparks: Sindi Channels Perez as Ferdinand Reappears in Saudi Derby Build-Up

Pre-Game Atmosphere

Exciting, buzzing ambience surrounded the Enmaa Stadium, home of Al-Ittihad, as they prepared for their Friday night clash with rivals Al-Hilal in Round 6 of the Saudi Pro League.

The two sides meet in the league's second Clasico of the season for the blue-and-gold archrivals, who had faced Al-Nassr earlier and were beaten 2-0.

The reigning champions aim to steady their campaign, hoping to reach a level that can keep them in the title race.

Before the highly anticipated showdown, the camps of yellow and blue were buzzing as the teams arrived at the stadium.

Sandi in Perez style.

Fahd Sandi, the president of Al-Ittihad, greeted players and staff in the tunnel on their way to the pitch and urged them toward victory.

That approach has long been a hallmark of Florentino Perez at Real Madrid, especially during Carlo Ancelotti's era, when he would stand in the players' tunnel to shake hands and spur them to win.

Sandi welcomed the Ittihad players, led by Karim Benzema and his French teammate N'Golo Kante, along with Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao, who greeted him with a warm handshake.

The United star returns.

As is his habit in big games, Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United and England defender, resurfaced in the Enmaa arena for this major clash coverage in Saudi football.

During his visit, Ferdinand also greeted Kalidou Koulibaly, the Senegalese defender who had previously played in the Premier League with Chelsea before moving to the Blue Wave in 2023.

A special salute.

The Hilal players were first to come out to warm up, followed by a roaring blue crowd and a salute to Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Lineups were unveiled.

Lineups and Key Moments

The Enmaa Stadium clash sees Al-Ittihad and the Blue Wave in a six-round duel of the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ittihad’s boss Conceicao and Hilal’s Italian coach Simone Inzaghi announced the starting XI for the match at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Al-Ittihad entered the game in sixth place with 10 points, while Hilal sat one spot higher in fifth with 11, yet undefeated this season with three wins and two draws.

Returning to the XI for the Ittihad attack was Karim Benzema after his injury sidelined him from the Iraqi Police Cup tie.

Conceicao also left out Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic for tactical reasons, while Dutchman Stefan Bergeron and Mohand Al-Shanqeeti were unavailable due to readiness issues.

The Ittihad goal was entrusted to Hamid Al-Shenqiti, with a back four of Ahmed Al-Jalidan, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al Mousa, and Mario Mitae; in midfield, Ngolo Kante, Fabinho, and Houssam Awar; and the attacking trio of Karim Benzema, Moussa Diaby, and Mohamed Doumbia.

For Hilal, the lineup featured Yassin Bono in goal; a back line of Hamd Al-Yami, Hassan Tambakti, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Theo Hernandez; a midfield trio of Sergej Savic, Robin Neves, and Nasser Al-Dosri; and an attacking line of Malcolm, Marcus Leonardo, and Darwin Núñez.

Substitutes for Hilal included Mohammed Al-Yami, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Muteb Al-Harbi, Ali Lajami, Mohammed Kanno, Abdulilah Al-Maliki, Abdulkarim Darisi, Abdullah Radeef, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan.

In the end, the spotlight lingered on Benzema’s return and Ferdinand’s ongoing media presence as the teams prepared for a match that could reshape the early title picture. The stadium, fans, and players all carried a tangible sense that this Clasico could set the tone for the months ahead.

And if you’re wondering how this blockbuster stacks up to a typical European Clasico, expect a rhythm that mixes tactical depth with a splash of star power and the occasional moment of football poetry. If only the popcorn tasted as good as the talking points looked!