The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo to saudi league to play Al-Nasr It was the most important news of the end of the year for world football. There are many expectations to see the ‘Bug’ in action with his new team and this has led to a lot more talk about the local tournament in Saudi Arabia. Until recently, the majority in Peru only paid attention because of the Peruvians who play in the RSL.
From all of these Andre Carrillo He is the one who has been in the Saudi professional league the longest and is also the most recognized in Saudi Arabia. This has led many to see the ‘culebra’ against Cristiano Ronaldo in what has been mislabeled as the ‘Saudi Classic’. Given the Western ignorance of Arab football, it is important to clarify what the country’s true derby is.
Salem Al-Dawsari’s big goal in the second Saudi classic of the 2021/22 season
What is the Saudi football classic?
That “classic saudi“ – as it says there – is the dispute between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, the oldest club in Saudi Arabia. This game is this country’s Universitario vs. Lima Alliance, with the Blues being viewed by the fans as the ‘leaders’ and the Aurinegros as the ‘people’s team’. Nevertheless, the difference in the official titles is very large and speaks for André Carrillo’s club.
Al Hilal is the main team in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. For its part, Al-Ittihad is the sporting emblem of the city of Jeddah, the second largest in the country. Their first official meeting came on January 10, 1964 in the Copa del Rey de Campeones (League Cup) final, in which Al-Ittihad defeated Al Hilal 3-0. In 148 duels, Al Hilal has won 63, Al-Ittihad 50 and there have been 35 draws.
Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Hegazy in second Al-Ittihad vs. Al Hilal from Saudi Pro League 2021-22. Photo: Al Hilal
What is Al Hilal vs Al-Nassr?
Although not the classic, Al Hilal and Al-Nassr also have a historical and important rivalry as the two main clubs in Riyadh. This confrontation is called the Riyadh derby or simply the Saudi derby. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was formed in 1955, two years before its rival from the capital. However, most of his official titles were won in the 20th century.
The first game ended 1-1 for the Champions’ Cup 1964. In this Riyadh derby too, the record speaks for the Blues. In 179 official matches, Al Hilal has won 66, Al-Nassr has won 60 and there have been 41 draws. Despite this, the Yellows have won eight in terms of the times they have met in domestic finals, more than their rival’s five.
Salem Al-Dawsari surrounded by Ayman Yahya, Abdulelah Al-Amri and Sultan Al-Ghannam in Riyadh’s first Saudi professional league derby of 2022-23. Photo: Al Hilal
When is the next Saudi professional league classic?
The next “Saudi Classic” will be played next Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. (Peruvian time). Al Hilal attends Al-Ittihad at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium for Date 12 of Roshn Saudi League. As for the Riyadh derby, fans will have to wait for a possible clash between André Carrillo and Cristiano Ronaldo until Matchday 25 is played in the first week of May.