Al-Hilal's first football team faces a crucial and high-stakes match when they travel to face Al-Ettifaq on Friday evening in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. This match is of paramount importance to Al-Hilal, who find themselves under immense pressure, separated from their closest rival and traditional adversary, Al-Nassr, by only a single point. Any slip-up at this critical stage of the competition is unacceptable.
The battle for a single point and the heat of competition
Al-Hilal enters the match sitting atop the league standings with 50 points, but they are fully aware that any slip-up – a draw or a loss – could cost them first place to Al-Nassr, who have 49 points, or even allow Al-Ahli, currently in third place with 47 points, to close the gap. This match comes at a time when Saudi football is experiencing a qualitative leap and fierce competition, where there are no longer any easy matches, and mid-table clubs are now capable of upsetting the big teams. This is something that Italian coach Simone Inzaghi is well aware of before the Dammam clash.
Radical tactical changes: Leonardo leads the attack
In a bold tactical move reflecting the coaching staff's desire to revitalize the attack, Inzaghi decided to include Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo in the domestic squad instead of Uruguayan Darwin Núñez. This decision comes after Núñez, who arrived from Liverpool, failed to make the desired impact and secure a regular starting position, ultimately being relegated to the Asian Champions League squad. Inzaghi is banking on Leonardo's dynamism and potential integration with the attacking system spearheaded by French star Karim Benzema, hoping to unlock Al-Ettifaq's solid defense.
The return of the defensive rock and the star-studded roster
The Blue Stand breathed a sigh of relief with the confirmation that veteran Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly is fit and ready to return to group training after completing his rehabilitation program. Koulibaly's return is a huge morale and tactical boost for Al-Hilal's back line, especially given the attacking prowess of their opponents. Coach Inzaghi has finalized his eight-man foreign contingent for the match, a formidable blend of world-class experience and talent, featuring the towering goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the dynamic full-back Theo Hernandez, and the midfield maestro Ruben Neves, alongside Savic, Malcom, and Benzema.
The strategic importance of the match
The importance of this match extends beyond just the three points; it serves as a strong message from Al-Hilal to its rivals that it will not relinquish its title easily. A victory against Al-Ettifaq on their home turf would boost the confidence of the players and the new coaching staff, and confirm the success of the recent tactical decisions made by the management. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq, currently in sixth place (35 points), will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to pull off a major upset that could shake up the standings at the top of the table, promising a high-caliber tactical encounter.
