Al-Hilal Vs Al-wehda

As the Saudi Pro League approaches its thrilling conclusion, Al Wahda find themselves in a relatively secure position to avoid relegation as they prepare for their penultimate match of the season against second-placed Al-Hilal. The encounter, set to take place at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, represents a crucial test for the Knights of Mecca, who have staged a remarkable resurgence in recent months after a dismal start to the campaign. Earlier in the season, their survival prospects appeared bleak, having managed only two victories in their first 13 matches. However, a dramatic upturn in form has seen them collect seven wins from their last 19 fixtures, lifting them out of the relegation zone and providing a glimmer of hope for their supporters. With just two games remaining, their fate is now largely in their own hands, though a difficult challenge awaits against one of the league’s strongest sides.  

The season began disastrously for Al Wahda, who struggled to find consistency under manager Daniel Carreño. By the end of 2024, they had accumulated just two wins from 13 matches, leaving them mired in the bottom three and seemingly destined for a return to the First Division. A brief resurgence in early 2025—marked by a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al Fateh—offered temporary relief, but a subsequent collapse, including seven defeats in eight games, plunged the club back into crisis. Fans grew increasingly disillusioned, fearing that their three-year stay in the top flight was coming to an end. However, a remarkable turnaround since March has completely altered the trajectory of their season. Over the past ten matches, Al Wahda have secured six wins and a draw, propelling them to 15th place and opening up a vital two-point cushion over the relegation playoff spot.  

Despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to third-placed Al Quadisiya in their most recent outing, Al Wahda’s survival hopes were bolstered by Al Orubah’s 2-1 loss to Al Khaleej. This result means that, heading into Matchweek 33, the Knights of Mecca retain a slender advantage over their relegation rivals. However, their position remains precarious, particularly given the scheduling of the upcoming fixtures. Al Orubah will face Al Quadisiya a day before Al Wahda’s clash with Al-Hilal, meaning that if the third-bottom side secures a victory, Carreño’s men could find themselves back in the drop zone before even stepping onto the pitch. Such a scenario would heap additional pressure on the hosts, who must then produce a positive result against a formidable opponent with a dominant recent record in this fixture.  

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, arrive in Jeddah with their own objectives still in play. Although their dreams of a record-extending 20th Saudi Pro League title were dashed by Al Ittihad’s triumph, the Blue Power remain determined to secure second place and finish the season on a high. Under the interim leadership of Mohammad Al-Shalhoub, who took charge following the dismissal of Jorge Jesus earlier in May, the team has displayed remarkable resilience and attacking flair. Their most recent outing—a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Al Fateh—showcased their fighting spirit, as they twice recovered from deficits before Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late heroics secured all three points. That result extended their unbeaten run to six matches, their best sequence since January, and reinforced their reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking sides.  

Since Al-Shalhoub’s appointment, Al-Hilal have been in scintillating form, particularly on the road. Their last two away matches have yielded eight goals, including a 5-3 win at Al Raed and a 4-0 demolition of Al Orubah. This upturn in performances has coincided with a renewed sense of belief within the squad, and they now sit comfortably in second place, three points clear of Al Quadisiya. A positive result against Al Wahda would all but guarantee them the runners-up spot, rendering their final-day clash with Al Quadisiya a mere formality. Given their current momentum—and an impressive five-match unbeaten streak on their travels—Al-Hilal will be confident of extending their dominance over Al Wahda, a team they have routinely outperformed in recent years.  

Historically, this fixture has been one-sided in favor of the Riyadh giants. Since a shock 2-1 defeat in December 2020, Al-Hilal have won five of the subsequent six league meetings, with the other ending in a draw. Over that period, they have outscored Al Wahda by an aggregate margin of 18-7, underlining their superiority. For Al Wahda, then, the challenge is not merely about securing a result to aid their survival bid—it is also about overcoming a psychological barrier against a team that has consistently had their number.  

For the neutral observer, this match presents an intriguing contrast in motivations. Al Wahda are fighting for their top-flight status, knowing that even a single point could prove decisive in their battle against the drop. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, are playing for pride and the consolidation of second place, ensuring their season ends on a respectable note despite falling short of their ultimate goal. The tactical battle between Carreño and Al-Shalhoub will be fascinating to watch, with the former likely to adopt a cautious approach in an attempt to stifle Al-Hilal’s attacking threats, while the latter will encourage his side to play with the same freedom and intensity that has characterized their recent performances.  

Key individual battles could also shape the outcome. Al Wahda will need to contain the prolific Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose late double against Al Fateh demonstrated his enduring quality in front of goal. The Serbian striker has been a talismanic figure for Al-Hilal this season, and his physical presence and clinical finishing will pose a constant threat. Conversely, Al-Hilal’s defense—which has looked vulnerable at times despite their attacking prowess—will need to be wary of Al Wahda’s counter-attacking potential, particularly if the home side adopts a low block and looks to exploit transitions.  

For Al Wahda’s supporters, this match represents another nerve-wracking chapter in what has been a rollercoaster season. After enduring months of frustration, they now find themselves within touching distance of safety, but the job is not yet done. A victory would all but secure their survival, while even a draw could prove invaluable depending on results elsewhere. Conversely, defeat could leave them needing a result on the final day, adding further tension to an already dramatic climax to the campaign.  

As the players take to the field on Wednesday, the stakes could hardly be higher. For Al Wahda, it is a chance to cap their remarkable resurgence with a statement result against one of the league’s elite. For Al-Hilal, it is an opportunity to cement their status as the division’s second-best team and build momentum ahead of next season. Whatever the outcome, this clash promises to be a compelling spectacle, filled with drama, tension, and no shortage of narrative intrigue.