Al Nassr vs Al Fateh

As the Saudi Pro League season draws to a close, newly crowned champions Al Ittihad are set to conclude their triumphant campaign with a home fixture against Damac on Monday. This match, while a mere formality in the standings, offers Al Ittihad an opportunity to solidify their momentum ahead of the highly anticipated King Cup of Champions final later in the week. Having already secured the league title with an eight-point lead, Al Ittihad’s focus now shifts to maintaining their impressive form—a five-match winning streak that underscores their dominance—and fine-tuning their strategies for the upcoming cup final. The clash against Damac, though inconsequential in terms of league positioning, serves as a critical preparatory step, allowing manager Laurent Blanc to experiment with tactics, rotate squad members, and ensure peak fitness levels before the decisive showdown against Al-Qadisiyah. 

Al Ittihad’s journey to reclaiming the Saudi Pro League title has been nothing short of remarkable. Their coronation was sealed in emphatic fashion on matchday 32 with a 3-1 victory over Al Raed, a result that not only clinched the trophy but also marked their first domestic triumph since the 2022-23 season. This victory stands in stark contrast to their disappointing fifth-place finish in the previous campaign, where they languished a staggering 42 points behind arch-rivals Al Hilal. The transformation under Laurent Blanc, who took the reins at the start of the season, has been profound. Blanc’s tactical acumen and ability to galvanize a squad that had underperformed so drastically the year before have been pivotal. His emphasis on defensive solidity, coupled with a dynamic attacking philosophy, allowed Al Ittihad to capitalize on the stumbles of competitors like Al Hilal and Al Nassr early in the season. By matchday 19, they had ascended to the summit of the table—a position they have tenaciously defended ever since. 

Central to Al Ittihad’s resurgence has been the stellar contributions of Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid maestro whose arrival in Jeddah last summer sent shockwaves through the football world. Benzema’s influence has been transformative, with the French forward netting 21 goals and providing nine assists in 28 league appearances. His ability to blend clinical finishing with creative playmaking has made him the linchpin of Blanc’s system. Whether orchestrating attacks from deep positions or poaching goals in the box, Benzema has exemplified leadership, both on and off the pitch. His partnership with emerging Saudi talents, such as the industrious midfielder Haroune Camara and the pacy winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, has added layers of unpredictability to Al Ittihad’s offense. Despite his heroics, Benzema trails Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo by three goals in the race for the Golden Boot—a subplot that adds intrigue to the final matchday. While team success remains paramount, Benzema’s personal duel with Ronaldo, a rivalry rekindled from their La Liga days, has captivated fans globally. A brace or hat-trick against Damac could narrow the gap, though Ronaldo’s own ambitions in Al Nassr’s finale will determine the outcome of this individual accolade. 

Al Ittihad’s recent form has been nothing short of imperious. Their 3-2 victory over Al Shabab last week extended their winning streak to five matches, a run characterized by attacking flair and resilience. In that match, Benzema opened the scoring with a trademark header, followed by a composed penalty from Camara. Al Shabab mounted a late fightback, but a thunderous strike from substitute Mohammed Al-Saiari secured the three points. This ability to grind out results, even when not at their fluid best, has been a hallmark of their season. With the league title secured, Blanc faces the delicate task of balancing rest and rhythm. Key players like Benzema and veteran defender Ahmed Hegazi may see reduced minutes against Damac to avoid fatigue or injury ahead of the cup final. However, Blanc is unlikely to field a weakened side entirely; maintaining psychological momentum is crucial. The French manager has emphasized in recent press conferences that “every match is an opportunity to honor the jersey,” a mantra that has resonated with a squad eager to etch their names into the club’s storied history. 

Historically, matches between Al Ittihad and Damac have followed a curious pattern: the home team has won the last four encounters. This trend bodes well for Al Ittihad, who will relish the support of their fervent home crowd at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium—a fortress where they have lost just once this season. The stadium, with its capacity of 62,000, is expected to be a sea of yellow and black, as fans celebrate their team’s triumph and revel in the chance to witness Benzema’s artistry one last time this league campaign. For Damac, however, the match carries minimal stakes. Safely ensconced in 14th place with 35 points—four clear of the relegation zone—they have already secured their top-flight status for another season. Yet, their campaign has been a tale of unmet expectations and turbulence. After finishing 10th last term with 41 points, hopes were high for a mid-table push. Instead, a revolving door of managers and a leaky defense have plagued their progress. 

Damac’s season began under Romanian coach Cosmin Contra, whose tenure was abruptly cut short after a string of lackluster performances. Portuguese manager Nuno Almeida was brought in as a replacement, but his reign proved equally short-lived. In March, with relegation fears mounting, the club turned to Khaled Al-Atwi, a former Saudi international, to steady the ship. Al-Atwi’s appointment, while popular with fans nostalgic for his playing days, has yielded mixed results: two wins, three draws, and three losses in eight matches. Last week’s 1-0 defeat to Al Fateh encapsulated their struggles—a disjointed attack and defensive lapses proving their undoing. The team’s away form has been particularly dire, with just one victory in their last nine road trips. Injuries to key players like Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq and the inconsistent form of star winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, once of Tottenham and Marseille, have compounded their woes. N’Koudou, despite flashes of brilliance, has managed only six goals and four assists—a return that undershoots his potential. 

Yet, Damac’s survival is a testament to the grit of their squad. Striker Abdelaziz Sanqour, a journeyman forward, has emerged as an unlikely hero, scoring eight crucial goals, including winners against relegation rivals Al Khaleej and Al Tai. Goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba, on loan from Al Wahda, has also been instrumental, pulling off a league-high 87 saves. For Al-Atwi, Monday’s match offers a chance to experiment with tactics and blood young players. Academy products like midfielder Faisal Al-Subaie and full-back Sultan Al-Farhan could feature, providing a glimpse into the club’s future. However, Al-Atwi has stressed that his side will “compete with pride,” aiming to disrupt Al Ittihad’s rhythm and build confidence ahead of next season. 

The broader context of this match extends beyond the pitch. Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investment in its football league, fueled by the Vision 2030 initiative, has transformed the Pro League into a global spectacle. The arrivals of superstars like Benzema, Ronaldo, and Neymar have elevated the league’s profile, attracting international broadcasters and sponsors. Al Ittihad’s title win, their 10th in history, reinforces their status as one of Asia’s elite clubs. The Jeddah-based giants, founded in 1927, boast a passionate fanbase and a rich legacy, including two AFC Champions League titles. Their resurgence under Blanc, a World Cup-winning defender with France, aligns with the league’s ambitions to rival Europe’s top divisions. Blanc’s pedigree—having managed Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team—has brought tactical sophistication to the squad, blending local talent with international stars. 

Conversely, Damac’s struggles highlight the challenges faced by smaller clubs in this new era of financial disparity. Without the resources to compete for marquee signings, they rely on shrewd scouting and youth development. Their academy, based in the mountainous city of Khamis Mushait, has produced several national team players, though retaining these talents amid interest from wealthier clubs remains a hurdle. The Saudi FA’s recent financial fair play regulations aim to level the playing field, but the gap between the league’s titans and its minnows persists. 

Looking ahead, Al Ittihad’s clash with Damac is a microcosm of the Pro League’s current dynamics: one team basking in the glory of a record-breaking season, the other battling to stay relevant. For Al Ittihad, the real prize awaits in the King Cup of Champions final—a chance to secure a domestic double and cement their legacy. The final, set against Al-Qadisiyah, a rising force backed by ambitious ownership, promises fireworks. Al-Qadisiyah, coached by former Barcelona assistant Juan Carlos Unzué, play an expansive style reminiscent of Spain’s tiki-taka. Their midfield metronome, Argentine playmaker Ever Banega, will test Al Ittihad’s defensive discipline. Blanc’s men must be wary of fatigue; the cup final comes just four days after the Damac match, leaving little time for recovery. 

In conclusion, Monday’s fixture may lack competitive tension, but it is laden with narrative richness. For Al Ittihad, it is a celebration, a final rehearsal, and a tribute to their fans. For Damac, it is an opportunity to salvage pride and lay foundations for renewal. As the Saudi Pro League continues its ascent on the global stage, matches like these—intertwining triumph and tribulation—underscore the league’s growing allure and the unyielding passion of its stakeholders.