Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad Draw in Riyadh Derby
Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad Draw in Riyadh Derby
Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad drew 1-1 yesterday evening at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, in the match between the two giants in the 31st round of the Saudi Roshan League for Professionals.
Al-Hilal opened the scoring early through Brazilian striker Michael in the 15th minute of the first half, following a decisive pass from Sergej Milinković-Savić. Al-Ittihad responded with continuous attacking pressure that resulted in the equalizer in the 67th minute, with a powerful shot from Moroccan player Abderrazak Hamdallah inside the penalty area. Al-Hilal controlled the majority of the scoring opportunities and overall chances, while Al-Ittihad was distinguished by defensive strength and solidity during large stages of the confrontation.
Abdullah Al-Balawi, Director of Public Relations at Al-Ittihad Club, described the match as “a showcase for Saudi football in all meanings of competition and respect.” Al-Balawi confirmed in a statement to media outlets that “the result reflects the strong balance between the two teams on the field.” On the other hand, an Al-Hilal Club source, who preferred not to mention his name, confirmed that the team was seeking victory but appreciates the performance of the competing team and the audience that attended with decorum.
The match witnessed a strong performance from Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yasser Al-Mosailem, who saved several dangerous balls. Meanwhile, player Ibrahim Al-Zain stood out in Al-Ittihad’s midfield, controlling the team’s movements and distributing the ball effectively. More than 25,000 spectators attended the match, and the stands were filled with fans who enthusiastically supported both teams throughout the match, amid strict security measures.
It is worth noting that this confrontation was the 61st derby in the history of meetings between the two teams in the Saudi League. Al-Hilal maintains its lead in the league with 89 points, while Al-Ittihad occupies fifth place with 66 points, with only two rounds remaining before the end of the season.
Finally, the draw result represented a positive point for Al-Ittihad in facing the Al-Hilal giant, while preventing Al-Hilal from widening the gap at the top of the standings. The match once again confirmed the intensity of competition between the two poles and presented a sophisticated sporting show that embodied the development of Saudi football.
صحيفة عكاظ اليوم ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.