The two sides: The Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Ettifaq derby is a bone-crushing clash in the Roshan League
As the kickoff approaches for one of the most prestigious matches in Saudi football, Mohammed Al-Dalaan, former manager of Al-Qadisiyah's first team, highlighted the difficulty and importance of the highly anticipated "Eastern Province Derby" between Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Ettifaq in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. These remarks come at a time when Saudi football is witnessing remarkable technical development, adding a special dimension to this classic encounter.
Artistic escalation and an indivisible confrontation
In an exclusive interview with Okaz newspaper, Al-Dalaan emphasized that the match would be anything but easy for either side, noting that both teams have been experiencing a remarkable improvement in form over the past few rounds. He described the encounter as a "battle of attrition," a term reflecting the intense rivalry and fierce desire of each team to secure the three points. He explained that derby matches are not typically governed by pre-existing technical criteria as much as by psychological readiness and fighting spirit on the pitch, with each side striving to assert its dominance in the Eastern Province.
The agreement... a sophisticated adversary under national leadership
In his technical analysis of the opponent, Al-Dalaan praised Al-Ettifaq's outstanding performances in the league, commending the excellent work of the coaching staff led by national coach Saad Al-Shahrani. He stressed the need to avoid underestimating Al-Ettifaq, emphasizing that the opponent possesses the technical skills to make a difference. This match carries added significance due to the historical rivalry between the two clubs. The Eastern Province derby is considered a prestigious event for the region's sport and is always exciting and competitive, regardless of the teams' positions in the league standings.
A call to the Al-Quds fans
Al-Dalaan concluded his remarks with a direct and heartfelt message to the Al-Qadisiyah fans, urging them to attend in large numbers and support the team from the stands. He emphasized that the fans' support would be like the 12th player, the true motivation that would drive the players to achieve victory and secure the three points, a shared goal for everyone. It's worth noting that the Eastern Province derby enjoys widespread attention not only locally but also regionally, given the two clubs' rich history and past achievements that have enriched Saudi and Asian football.
