Al Hilal to Host Al Ittihad in Saudi Clasico as Benzema Faces Former Club

Al Hilal welcome archrivals Al Ittihad to Kingdom Arena in Riyadh tonight at 9:00 PM in the headline fixture of Round 23 of the Saudi Pro League.

The highly anticipated Clasico carries added intrigue as French striker Karim Benzema prepares to face his former side for the first time since joining Al Hilal during the winter transfer window.

Al Hilal sit comfortably at the top of the standings with 53 points, having won 16 matches and drawn five without suffering a single defeat this season. Their unbeaten run has underlined their dominance, but the pressure remains intense.

Any slip-up, even a draw, combined with a victory for closest challengers Al Nassr could cost them the lead. 

As a result, Hilal are expected to push aggressively for all three points.

The league leaders boast a star-studded lineup including Benzema, Yassine Bounou, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Malcom, Theo Hernández, Kalidou Koulibaly, Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohammed Kanno and Hassan Tambakti.

Al Ittihad, currently sixth with 37 points, have recorded 11 wins, four draws and six defeats this season. While their title hopes appear slim, recent performances, including two strong displays in continental competition, have boosted confidence within the squad.

The Jeddah-based side also features high-profile names such as Moussa Diaby, Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, Predrag Rajković, Youssef En-Nesyri and Steven Bergwijn.

Historically, Al Hilal have held the upper hand in Saudi Pro League Clasico encounters. The two sides have met 35 times in the competition, with Hilal winning 18 matches compared to Ittihad’s seven victories, while 10 clashes ended in draws.

Hilal have scored 65 goals in those meetings, while Ittihad have managed 40.

With pride, points, and top-table implications at stake, along with Benzema’s emotional reunion, Riyadh is set for a thrilling Saudi Clasico showdown.