Al Ittihad Hosts Al Riyadh in Crucial Saudi Pro League Clash

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Al Ittihad will take on Al Riyadh on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 20:00 in a significant matchup in the Saudi Pro League. The game, part of Matchday 25, features the league leaders, Al Ittihad, who currently hold 58 points from 24 matches, facing off against mid-table side Al Riyadh, sitting in 9th place with 33 points.

Al Ittihad, under manager Laurent Blanc, boasts an impressive record with 18 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses this season. Their defensive unit has been solid, allowing only 23 goals, while their attack ranks among the league’s best with 57 goals scored, leading to a goal difference of +34. Their recent form has been strong, remaining unbeaten over the last five matches, with 2 wins and 3 draws. Their last match resulted in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Al Qadsiah.

“We are confident at home. Our team believes in our strategy and the goals we can achieve this season,” said Blanc in a pre-match statement.

In stark contrast, Al Riyadh has struggled for consistency this season, with a record of 9 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses. Managed by Sabri Lamouchi, the team has accumulated 33 points but managed only 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last five encounters. Their last outing culminated in a 1-0 win over Al Akhdoud, providing a much-needed boost.

<p“With every match, we look to improve and adjust our strategy,” said Lamouchi. “We face a strong team in Al Ittihad, but we aim to capitalize on any opportunities that arise.”

The home advantage has been significant for Al Ittihad, who has recorded 11 wins and a draw from 12 home outings this season. Their average of 2.38 goals per game at home highlights their effectiveness on their turf. Al Riyadh, however, has struggled on the road, securing only 4 wins against 5 losses in away games.

Historically, Al Ittihad has triumphed in their last five matches against Al Riyadh, winning all five with a shutout in each match. The last encounter between the two saw Al Ittihad emerging victorious with a 1-0 result.

Betting odds favor Al Ittihad heavily with a home win at 1.25 and “both teams to score: Yes” at 1.80, reflecting expectations based on both teams’ current performance levels.

As the match approaches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing whether Al Ittihad can maintain their winning streak and solidify their position atop the league, or if Al Riyadh can harness their strengths to pull off an upset.