Derby of Legends: Can Al Hilal’s Dominance Hold in the Riyadh Clash

Legacy and a Classic Goal in Riyadh

Ahmed Jamil, former Al Ittihad captain and legend of the era, revisits the iconic clashes between the two giants, noting that his first goal in the 2-1 win in Riyadh remains among his best moments in the Al Ittihad jersey.

He credits that victory to a strong collective effort, highlighting the contributions of several teammates who shone on that day and recalling the spirit of a memorable period.

Ahead of the upcoming Clasico in Round 23 of the Saudi Pro League, Jamil recalls how the dry Riyadh air could fatigue players coming from Jeddah's humidity, but the winter chill only heightens the energy and motivation.

He also reflects on the toughest opponents he faced, praising the danger posed by a renowned attacking duo whose speed and skill repeatedly unsettled defenses.

Looking to Saturday's game, he notes that Al Hilal is currently stronger, especially at home; beating them there is challenging, but a moment of weakness can fuel a comeback, and he hopes Al Ittihad returns to its usual character to grab points.

In tactical terms, the keys for Al Ittihad lie in midfield control by Musa Diaby and Houssam Awar during the opening 30 minutes, with ball possession likely determining the edge; analysts suggest Hilal has a higher win probability in this fixture.

He closes with a candid assessment of their league campaign this season, acknowledging that Al Ittihad has dropped points due to difficult circumstances, which has made the title race more complex.

The article also outlines the match context, presenting each team's crest and the schedule: February 21, 2026, at 20:00, a classic Saudi Pro League duel in Riyadh.

Punchlines: If football were a sniper's joke, the crossbar would be the punchline, always there to block the shot. The second punchline: the only thing sharper than a striker's finish is my Wi-Fi during added time.