Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh: Saudi Pro League Clash

Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh: A Crucial Saudi Pro League Encounter

The Saudi Pro League is set to witness an intriguing clash as Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Riyadh at the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on November 21, 2025. This match carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate through the middle of the season with differing objectives.

Al-Ittihad's Quest for Victory

Al-Ittihad enters this match under the guidance of new manager Sergio Conceicao, who is still searching for his first league victory since joining the Jeddah-based club last month. The Yellow Tigers have struggled domestically, failing to win any of their last five league games. Their recent 1-0 loss to Al-Ahli in the Jeddah derby has pushed them down to eighth place in the standings with just 11 points from eight games.

Despite their league struggles, Al-Ittihad has shown promise in the AFC Champions League, winning two of their four matches and currently sitting sixth in the group stage. Manager Conceicao will be looking to carry this continental form into domestic action.

One significant blow for Al-Ittihad is the suspension of Fabinho, who was sent off in the 32nd minute of their previous match against Al-Khaleej. His absence will be felt in the midfield, where his experience and leadership have been crucial.

Star Player to Watch: Karim Benzema

Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema remains the standout player for Al-Ittihad. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess have been instrumental in the team's performances, particularly in the AFC Champions League. Benzema's experience and quality could be the deciding factor in this match against Al-Riyadh.

Al-Riyadh's Fight Against Relegation

On the other side, Al-Riyadh finds themselves in a precarious position, sitting 12th in the league table with only 8 points from eight games. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with their last match ending in a 1-1 draw against Damac FC. Manager Javier Calleja will need to find a way to energize his team if they are to avoid relegation.

Al-Riyadh's away record is particularly concerning, with just one point earned from four matches on the road. Their defensive frailties have been exposed in these fixtures, and they will face a stern test against an Al-Ittihad side desperate to get back to winning ways.

Historical Dominance: Al-Ittihad's Head-to-Head Record

When these two teams meet, history heavily favors Al-Ittihad. The Yellow Tigers have won all six of their most recent encounters against Al-Riyadh, including a 2-1 victory in their last meeting back in March 2025. The all-time record shows Al-Ittihad has won eight matches without suffering a single defeat against their opponents.

"Al-Ittihad has scored first in their last five meetings against Al-Riyadh, highlighting their ability to take control of games early."

Statistically, Al-Ittihad has averaged 2.8 goals per game in these matchups while maintaining a clean sheet in their head-to-head history. This proficiency underscores their tactical advantage over Al-Riyadh.

Betting Tips and Predictions

The betting landscape heavily favors Al-Ittihad, with major bookmakers giving them a 73% probability of victory. This is reflected in the odds, with Al-Ittihad priced at 1.68 to win the match.

Several betting opportunities present themselves for this match:

• Al-Ittihad to score first (odds: 1.25)
• Over 2.5 goals in the match (odds: 1.37)
• Al-Ittihad to win with a clean sheet (odds: 1.90)
• Karim Benzema to score anytime (odds: 1.75)

Predictive models suggest a possible 3-0 scoreline in favor of Al-Ittihad, backed by their solid home advantage and historical success against Al-Riyadh.

Conclusion and What to Expect

This encounter carries major implications for both teams. A win for Al-Ittihad would not only strengthen their position in the league but also reinforce their dominance over Al-Riyadh, a psychological factor that could play a pivotal role in their campaign. For Al-Riyadh, securing any points in Jeddah is crucial as they strive to avoid relegation.

Given Al-Ittihad's historical dominance and current need for a victory, they are likely to come out strong in this match. However, Al-Riyadh will be motivated to prove they can compete against one of the league's traditional powerhouses.

With both teams needing different results from this match, fans can expect an intense and competitive encounter at the Alinma Stadium. Will Al-Ittihad extend their dominance, or can Al-Riyadh defy the odds and secure a valuable result?