As excitement builds for the highly anticipated Saudi Clasico, fans and players alike are keenly aware of the storied history and fierce rivalry between Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. This match is not just another game; it represents a critical juncture for both teams in their pursuit of dominance in the Saudi Pro League. For Al Ittihad, the weight of history is palpable. Since 2016, the Jeddah giants have struggled to assert themselves against their Riyadh rivals, managing only one win in 24 encounters. The record, which shows Al Hilal winning 18 of those matches, casts a long shadow over their confidence. Indeed, Al Hilal has been on a seven-match winning streak against Al Ittihad, statistics that reflect the intense competitive nature of this clash. However, Al Ittihad enters this encounter buoyed by a stunning 7-1 victory over Al Wehda. This was the club’s first time scoring seven goals in a match since 2011, with captain Karim Benzema showcasing his leadership by netting a hat-trick. The win marked a significant turnaround for a team that finished a disappointing fifth last season, trailing Al Hilal by a staggering 42 points — the largest gap ever recorded between the two rivals. New […]