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Al Ittihad vs Al Hilal: How to watch Benzema and co. in the Saudi 'Al Clasico'
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The Saudi Pro League have dubbed this 'Al Clasico', as two of the giants of Saudi football go head-to-head when last year's runners up Al Hilal travel to defending champions Al Ittihad on Friday. The two sides, though, have been struggling for form early in the 2025-26 season and are down in 4th and 5th in the league table respectively.
Al Hilal had made a big push to topple Al Ittihad in the summer when they brought in Simone Inzaghi as head coach and along with him the likes of Theo Hernandez and Darwin Nunez, but it's not paid off yet. Of five league games, they've won three and drawn two. They've not hit top gear in the AFC Champions League either, but they've won three in three. On Tuesday, they hammered Al Sadd 3-1 and will be looking to translate Asian form into domestic results as well.
Tables turned at Clasico rivals – so who steps into spotlight in marquee clash?
Back before a ball was kicked in the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, when the fixtures for the new season were announced, many would’ve looked to the first Saudi Clasico as offering a barometer of how a new manager was faring at a genuine top-flight giant.
Few, though, would’ve expected that to apply more acutely at Al Ittihad, the reigning champions, than Al Hilal.
By the time the much-anticipated Matchweek 6 encounter ticks around on Friday in Jeddah, Sergio Conceicao will be experiencing not only his first Clasico, but his second RSL game.
The Portuguese tactician replaced Laurent Blanc during this month’s international break just passed, Al Ittihad having called time on their title-winning manager immediately after the club’s home defeat to championship rivals Al Nassr in Matchweek 4.
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Clásico Showdown: New Stars Emerge in High-Stakes Rivalry
The 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League is heating up as two titans of Saudi football, Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, prepare for a much-anticipated clash in the first Saudi Clasico of the season. This encounter will take place on October 24, 2025, in Jeddah. Both teams enter this match with high stakes and significant expectations.
This season sees Sergio Conceicao at the helm of Al Ittihad, while Al Hilal has brought in Simone Inzaghi. Conceicao is navigating his second match in the league, having previously drawn against Al Fayha. Inzaghi’s leadership has already made an impact, leading Al Hilal to success in the FIFA Club World Cup prior to their league campaign.
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