Derby Weekocalypse: Al Ahli Jeddah Braces for a Crazy Run of Two Classics and a Derby

Derby Week Ahead: Al Ahli Jeddah Faces a Crazy Run of Clasicos

Al Ahli Jeddah appears poised for a wild script as the 2025-26 season enters its decisive phase, with both the Saudi Pro League and the Elite AFC Champions League in the spotlight.

The team will begin its real quest to defend the Elite title when it faces Al-Duhail of Qatar in the Round of 16, scheduled for April 13-14 at a stadium in Jeddah.

If they advance, they will meet Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia in the quarter-finals on April 16-18.

In the semi-finals, Al Ahli could face a fiery clásico against Al Hilal if the latter can beat Al Sadd of Qatar and Vissel Kobe of Japan, setting up a potential April 20-21 showdown.

Should they reach the final, a Jeddah derby with Al Ittihad could be on April 25, heightening the local drama.

After the Elite Cup, Al Ahli will return to domestic action in the Saudi Pro League, with a high-stakes clash against Al Nassr in round 30.

Currently, Al Ahli sits third in the league with 62 points, five behind the leaders and two behind the second-placed team, as the title race tightens.

The Saudi Pro League has penciled in a provisional date for round 30 on April 28, though the schedule remains liable to change.

All in all, Al Ahli could play the Jeddah derby and two classics against Hilal and Nassr within a week or 10 days to shape their season.

Punchline 1: If this week gets any wilder, the trophy committee might start charging admission for popcorn. Punchline 2: Be ready to blink—three derbies and a classic in a single week is football cinema, and the credits are coming fast.