Seven-Year Hex on the Line: Can Ettifaq Pull Off a Dammam Miracle Against Al Hilal?
18 October 2025
Ettifaq hosts Al Hilal on Saturday at Ego Stadium in Dammam, a Saudi Pro League clash that fans have circled since the schedule dropped. The match pits a team chasing consistency against a heavyweight looking for balance in both defense and attack.
Al Hilal come into the game after a start that’s been uneven but promising, sitting sixth with 8 points from two wins and two draws, the latest a 2-2 stalemate with Al Ahli that left them itching for a more controlled performance.
The Blue Wave are guided by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi and will be eager to show a steadier approach at the back while sharpening their finishing up front, especially as the gap to the league leaders remains modest.
Meanwhile, Ettifaq approach the match with bold ambitions under national boss Saad Al-Shehri. They arrive off a win over Damk (3-1), lifting them to 7 points and placing them around the middle of the table. The home crowd in the eastern city could provide the extra push the team needs to press for a second win in a row.
The Seven-Year Hex: Can It End in Dammam?
The talk around the game centers on Ettifaq’s long struggle to beat Hilal in the league. Transfermarkt notes Ettifaq hasn’t beaten Hilal in 14 league matches, registering only two draws and 12 losses in that span.
Historically, Hilal holds a commanding edge in Saudi Pro League clashes—30 meetings yield 21 Hilal wins, 2 Ettifaq wins, and 7 draws. Offensively, Hilal have been more prolific, scoring 62 goals to Ettifaq’s 24 across those meetings.
Ettifaq’s Revival and Dembele’s Return
After a heavy defeat to Taawoun, Ettifaq bounced back with a solid win over Damk, showing a sharper attack led by Moroccan playmaker Youssef Belhanda and the lively winger Abdullah Al-Khateeb. French star Moussa Dembele has also returned from injury, featuring in a recent friendly and scoring twice, potentially giving Saad Al-Shehri more offensive options against Hilal.
Dembele’s comeback could be crucial for Ettifaq’s counters, especially with the wings providing pace for quick transitions. If he’s fully fit, the visitors will test Hilal’s defensive solidity and press their midfield high to disrupt build-up play.
Hilal: Pursuing Perfection Before the Derby
On the other side, Hilal arrive with a balanced attack spearheaded by N’Vez, Savic, and the late-blooming Thiago Hernandez, who has been a standout with four goals in six appearances since joining. Inzaghi could rotate his lineup after international duty, with injuries taking a toll on some players including emerging star Saleh Al-Dawsari, who has helped shape the team’s attacking threat but will miss this match.
The absence of Al-Dawsari—captain and Asia Player of the Year 2025—could be a setback, particularly as the team targets a strong run ahead of key fixtures against Al-Ittihad and potential Asian commitments. Medical re-evaluations will determine his availability for the next test, making squad depth a critical factor.
History vs Ambition
Despite Hilal’s historic dominance, Ettifaq’s fresh energy, reinforced by a strong home backing in Dammam, keeps the fixture intriguing. Hilal will be mindful that any slip could complicate their title bid, while Ettifaq will seize any opportunity to prove the seven-year curse is more mischievous than immortal.
As the sides prepare to lock horns, the broader narrative is about balancing tradition with momentum: Hilal’s pedigree versus Ettifaq’s hunger to rewrite the page and reclaim a memory stitched with big-game nights.
And if you’re looking for a quick byte of humor before kickoff: if Ettifaq breaks the curse, the seven-year drought will file a restraining order against their own losing streak. If Hilal wins, well, the hex can finally file for a vacation. Either way, the derby energy will be priceless.
