When the Schedule Strikes Back: Nassr and Hilal Fuel the Saudi Showdown
10 November 2025
The football rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Nassr stretched beyond the pitch, as always, in a season full of events.
Nassr currently leads the Saudi league, with a start after eight rounds and reaching 24 points. They sit three points ahead of Taawoun (21), while Al Hilal occupies third place on 20.
Explosive statements
Prince Nawaf bin Saad, president of Al Hilal, voiced astonishment and frustration at schedule, noting that his team would play matches against Al Ittihad and Al Ahli in Jeddah within a month.
In comments on the Socrates Podcast on the Eight channel, Bin Saad said the league schedule favored Nassr, explaining Nassr began the season with easy fixtures that helped them top the table after eight rounds.
Bin Saad said that Nassr benefited greatly from the scheduling, arguing that at the start of the league all its games were easy, and when facing big teams at the end, most teams are worn out, so Nassr was the main beneficiary of the draw.
He added that Nassr would possibly face difficulties at the end of the season, noting that most teams are worn out and play to maintain their position and that the schedule should be clear and fair.
He also expressed frustration with refereeing this season, calling for foreign referees from the world’s top level.
The club spends on bringing in foreign referees both inside and outside, and despite higher fees, the standard remains below expectations; either hire better referees or revert prices to previous levels.
He also noted that the league would not pause during AFCON 2025, so Hilal would play without key players such as keeper Yassine Bounou and defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Bin Saad questioned when the league schedule would be fair for all clubs and suggested that Hilal and Al Ahli would face Nassr during AFCON, hoping it was only a coincidence.
What did Nassr deliver?
Nassr has played eight league matches so far, winning eight in a row, the strongest defense and attack.
Nassr defeated Al Taawoun (5-0), Al Kholoud (2-0), Al Riyadh (5-1), Al Ittihad (2-0), Al Fateh (5-1), Al Hazm (2-0), Al Fayha (2-1), and Neom (3-1).
Under the Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the players scored 26 goals and conceded 4, underscoring the team's work and development this season.
What did Al Hilal deliver?
Al Hilal played the same number of matches, winning six, drawing twice, and not losing, the third-strongest attack and defense.
Al Hilal beat Al Riyadh (2-0), Al Akhdoud (3-1), Al Ettifaq (5-0), Al Ittihad (2-0), Al Shabab (1-0), and Al Najma (4-2).
They drew with Al Qadisah (2-2) and Al Ahli (3-3), collecting 20 points for third place.
The Al Hilal side, under Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, scored 22 goals and conceded eight.
Ferocious clashes
As the midseason nears, both teams wage battles on several fronts, ambitions crossing paths and challenges multiplying.
Locally, both chase the Roshen League title, the biggest aim, as the league tests Saudi dominance and reflects the strength of each club's project.
For Al Hilal, challenges go beyond the league, aiming for continental glory and standing after a long journey in Asian competitions.
They also face an extra challenge in the Kings Cup after reaching the quarterfinals, hoping to reclaim the trophy and increasing pressure on players and management in a busy season.
Besides the league, Nassr also aims to win the AFC Champions League 2, a chance to redeem past disappointments and restore continental prestige, especially after a strong league start and early top spot.
Every upcoming match for both is not just about points but a strategic battle on several fronts, balancing player load, performance levels, and local versus continental ambitions, making this season perhaps the most thrilling in years.
Punchline 1: If football had a clock, some matches would still be late to kickoff.
Punchline 2: My calculator just filed for vacation; every time I count goals, the numbers run away.
