Saudi Arabia's 'El Clasico': Al Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad
A Fierce Rivalry Ignites
The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is the most prestigious football league in Saudi Arabia. Two of the most successful clubs in the league's history are Al Hilal SFC and Al-Ittihad Club. These two clubs share a fierce rivalry, with their matches often referred to as the "Saudi El Clasico".
A History of Success
Al Hilal is the most successful club in the SPL, with 18 league titles to its name. The club was founded in 1957 and is based in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Some of the club's most famous players include Sami Al-Jaber, Yasser Al-Qahtani, and Salman Al-Faraj.
Al-Ittihad is the second most successful club in the SPL, with 8 league titles. The club was founded in 1927 and is based in Jeddah, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. Some of the club's most famous players include Mohammed Al-Deayea, Nawaf Al-Temyat, and Hamad Al-Montashari.
The 'Saudi El Clasico'
The rivalry between Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad is one of the most intense in Asian football. The two clubs are located in different cities and have different fan bases, which contributes to the rivalry. The matches between the two clubs are often played in front of sold-out crowds and are always highly competitive.
The "Saudi El Clasico" is a major event in the Saudi Arabian sporting calendar. The match is always highly anticipated and is often seen as a barometer of the strength of the two clubs. In recent years, Al Hilal has had the upper hand in the rivalry, but Al-Ittihad is always a dangerous opponent.
Recent Form
Al Hilal is currently the reigning SPL champion. The club won the league title in the 2022-23 season, finishing 6 points ahead of Al-Ittihad. Al Hilal also won the Saudi Super Cup in 2023.
Al-Ittihad finished second in the SPL in the 2022-23 season. The club also reached the final of the Saudi Super Cup, but lost to Al Hilal.
Head-to-Head Record
Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad have met 121 times in all competitions. Al Hilal has won 51 matches, Al-Ittihad has won 35 matches, and 35 matches have ended in a draw.
Upcoming Match
The next match between Al Hilal and Al-Ittihad is scheduled to take place on 25th February 2023. The match will be played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
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