Benzema Makes a Fireworks First Clasico: Hilal vs. Ittihad Sparks Saudi Pro League

Lineups and key moments

The Italian coach Simone Inzaghi and the Portuguese Sergio Conceicao revealed their starting XIs for the high-stakes Saudi Clasico between Al Hilal and Al Ittihad in the Roshan Saudi League. Al Hilal hosted the clash at Kingdom Arena, aiming to stretch their league lead while their guests sought a statement win.

For Al Hilal, Karim Benzema took the field for the first time in the competition, facing his former club, Al Ittihad, which parted ways with him earlier this month. The Frenchman joined a frontline that also featured Malcolm and Salem Al-Dawsari. In defense, Theo Hernandez returned to a starting role at left-back after an injury lay-off, with Muteb Al-Harbi on the right flank. The midfield trio included Robin Neves, Mohamed Kanno, and Serge Milinkovic-Savic, while Yassine Bono guarded the goal for Hilal.

Al Ittihad rolled out a front line led by Youssef En-Nesyri, aiming to replicate his sharp form from the season’s early fixtures. Their defense was built around Mohannad Al-Shanqeeti, Ahmad Sharahili, Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadim, and Mario Metai, with Fabinho anchoring the middle, alongside Houssam Aouar (Houssam Awar) and Mamadou Doumbia in midfield. Up front, Moussa Diaby and En-Nesyri looked to punish any gaps in Hilal’s defense.

The article notes the two clubs sit at different ends of the table, with Hilal leading the Saudi Pro League on 53 points, level on points with Al Ahli but ahead on goal difference, while Al Ittihad sit seventh with 37 points. The tactical setup suggested a battle of rhythm, with Benzema’s movement and Benzema’s smart runs likely to test the Ittihad backline throughout the 90 minutes.

Starting lineups (highlights)

Al Hilal: Yassine Bono; Muteb Al-Harbi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Tambeikti, Theo Hernandez; Robin Neves, Mohammed Kanno, Serge Milinkovic-Savic; Malcolm, Karim Benzema, Salem Al-Dawsari.

Al Ittihad: Predrag Rajkovic; Mohannad Al-Shanqeeti, Ahmad Sharahili, Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadash, Mario Metai; Fabinho, Houssam Aouar, Mamadou Doumbia; Moussa Diaby, Youssef En-Nesyri.

As the match approached, the atmosphere suggested a classic, with both sides eager to capture momentum in the title race. The tactical narrative hinted at a game where Benzema’s poise and clinical finishing could tilt the scales in favor of Hilal, while En-Nesyri’s pace and power could unlock the Ittihad defense at key moments.

Punchline time: If Benzema scores, the Saudi Clasico might get a new nickname—“Classi-ico”—and if you blink, you might miss the goal, because this one looks like it’s served with espresso shots. And remember, in football, even the ball has a better social life than most of us this week—it keeps moving more than your feed during a cat meme spree.