Saudi Giants Ittihad and Hilal Clash in 'Al Clasico' Amid Dip in Form

On Friday, two of Saudi Arabia's football giants, Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, will face off in what the Saudi Pro League has dubbed the 'Al Clasico'. However, both teams have struggled for form early in the 2025-26 season and currently sit 4th and 5th in the league table respectively.

Al Hilal had made a big push to topple Al Ittihad in the summer, bringing in Simone Inzaghi as head coach and signing players like Theo Hernandez and Darwin Nunez. But their new-look team has not yet clicked, winning three and drawing two of their five league games so far. They've also not hit top gear in the AFC Champions League, though they did hammer Al Sadd 3-1 on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, defending champions Al Ittihad have also sputtered, registering just three wins, a draw, and a loss in their first five SPL games. They've been struggling in Asia too, only recently recording their first win in three AFC Champions League matches. Ittihad manager Laurent Blanc will be hoping his team, particularly star player Karim Benzema who is dealing with injury concerns and dipping form, can rediscover their touch against their great rivals.

With both teams desperate to find their best form, this 'Al Clasico' clash promises to be an enthralling encounter between two of Saudi football's heavyweights.