The clash between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad—known as the “Saudi Clasico”—stands as one of the most iconic rivalries in Middle Eastern football.
Representing the two powerhouse cities of Riyadh and Jeddah respectively, these clubs are not only among the most successful in Saudi Arabia but also command massive fanbases across the Arab world.
Historical Overview
The rivalry dates back to their first official meeting in 1964 during the King’s Cup final, where Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Hilal 3-0. Since then, the two giants have faced each other over 160 times across various competitions.
Al-Hilal holds the advantage with more than 75 wins, while Al-Ittihad has secured over 40 victories, and dozens of matches have ended in draws.
In the Saudi Pro League
In league play alone, the two sides have met over 100 times.
Al-Hilal has maintained the upper hand in terms of victories, but matches between the two are always unpredictable and filled with passion, often playing a pivotal role in title races and top-four finishes.
Continental Showdowns
On the Asian stage, the rivalry has extended to the AFC Champions League.
Their encounters in the tournament have been fierce, with Al-Hilal recently asserting dominance by eliminating Al-Ittihad in a high-stakes quarterfinal match with an aggregate score of 4-0—marking a historic achievement as Al-Hilal recorded 28 consecutive wins in all competitions, a world record.
Iconic Moments
The rivalry has produced unforgettable moments, including Al-Hilal’s 5-0 win over Al-Ittihad in the 2009-2010 season, which remains one of the most dominant performances in their history.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad’s historic continental runs have also added pride to their legacy, making every meeting a showcase of legacy and ambition.
Cultural and Fan Significance
Al-Hilal is often called “Al-Za’eem” (The Leader) for their trophy-laden history, while Al-Ittihad is known as “Al-Ameed” (The Dean) as the oldest football club in the Kingdom.
Their fanbases are among the most passionate and loyal, and their clashes regularly draw massive TV audiences and sell-out stadiums.
More than just a game, the Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad matchup symbolizes the rich heritage, fierce competition, and growing influence of Saudi football.
As both teams continue to invest and evolve, this legendary rivalry promises many more electrifying chapters in the years to come.
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