Al-Hilal Vs Damac

On Wednesday evening, Al-Hilal will aim to maintain their stellar performance from the start of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season as they face Damac at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

Al-Hilal began their league title defense with a resounding victory over Al Okhdood, while Damac suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Al Khaleej in their opening match of the season.

Match Preview

Al-Hilal’s Domination in the 2023-24 Season

Al-Hilal's 2023-24 season was nothing short of remarkable. The team clinched the domestic double, showcasing dominance with an unbeaten league campaign. They achieved 31 victories and just three draws in 34 matches, underscoring their supremacy in the top flight.

Securing the league title with a 14-point margin over their rivals Al-Nassr was a testament to their strength. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Al-Hilal managed this feat without their star signing, Neymar, who was sidelined for most of the season due to injury.

The Blue Waves have continued their formidable form into the new season. They began by winning the Saudi Super Cup, defeating Al-Nassr 4-1 in the final. Jorge Jesus’s squad extended their winning streak with a convincing 3-0 away victory in their first league match of the season. Aleksandar Mitrovic was a standout performer, scoring twice, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also found the net, all within the first half.

Al-Hilal’s record at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium is remarkable, with 16 consecutive league wins and an unbeaten run of 23 matches leading up to this game. This strong home performance will be a significant factor as they look to continue their impressive start to the season.

Damac’s Struggles and Current Form

In contrast, Damac has faced a decline in performance over the past season. After finishing eighth in the 2022-23 season, they slipped to 10th place in the following campaign. Their poor end to the previous season, where they failed to win any of their last six league matches (with three draws and three losses), highlighted their struggles. They managed just one victory in their final 12 games, along with five draws and six losses.

The Knights of the South began the 2024-25 season poorly, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Al Khaleej. This result is particularly concerning given that Al Khaleej finished four points behind Damac in the standings last term.

Damac's away form has been a significant issue. They have not won an away game in the top flight since mid-April and have struggled against Al-Hilal, failing to secure a victory in their last six encounters dating back to 2021. With these statistics, it seems unlikely that Damac will end their winless streak in this fixture.

Al-Hilal’s Ongoing Excellence

Al-Hilal's recent performances demonstrate their continued excellence and resilience. The team’s ability to adapt and succeed despite missing key players like Neymar is a testament to their depth and strength. The addition of high-profile players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has further bolstered their squad, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the league.

The club's focus on maintaining their impressive record at home will be crucial as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the league. Their success in domestic competitions and the Saudi Super Cup highlights their ambition and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Damac’s Need for a Turnaround

For Damac, reversing their fortunes will require significant improvement. The team must address their recent poor form and seek to build momentum to climb the league standings. The squad’s inability to secure away victories and their struggles against top teams like Al-Hilal will be key areas for improvement.

Coach Cosmin Contra faces a challenging task in revitalizing the team’s performance. The upcoming match presents a tough test, but it also offers an opportunity for Damac to begin a positive turnaround.

Conclusion

As Al-Hilal prepares to host Damac, the contrast between the two teams' recent performances is stark. Al-Hilal’s dominance and strong home record make them the clear favorites, while Damac's struggles and poor away form suggest a difficult task ahead. This clash will be a critical test for both teams as the season progresses, with Al-Hilal aiming to extend their impressive start and Damac seeking to rebound from their recent disappointments.