Al Ahli vs Al Raed

Within the pulsating landscape of Saudi Arabian football, a rivalry between two established clubs, Al Ahli FC and Al Raed FC, has been steadily simmering. With contrasting histories, styles of play, and determined fanbases, their encounters offer a captivating blend of footballing philosophies and the relentless pursuit of victory. Let’s dive into their head-to-head story of these two giants of the Saudi Pro League.

Head-to-Head Stats

Playing Styles and Formations

Al Ahli FC, also known as “The Royal,” are renowned for their attacking flair and relentless pursuit of goals. They typically employ a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling possession, swift transitions through the middle of the park, and dynamic attacking movement. Their creative midfielders play a crucial role in orchestrating attacks and supplying their lethal strikers.

Al Raed FC, known as “The Leaders,” adopt a more balanced approach. They often utilize a 4-5-1 formation, with an emphasis on maintaining defensive compactness and launching clinical counterattacks. Their midfielders are focused on disrupting the opponent’s flow, while their forwards and wingers prioritize pace and directness to exploit any gaps in the opposition’s defense.

A Look Back: Historical Clashes

Their first official encounter dates back to 1983, and since then, Al Ahli has historically held the upper hand, winning a significant majority of the matches. However, Al Raed has shown its resilience and often held its own against the more fancied opponents.

One memorable clash was the 2017-18 Saudi Pro League season, where Al Ahli secured a dramatic 5-1 victory over Al Raed, including a hat-trick from their star striker Omar Al-Soma. More recently, the two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the 2021-22 season, highlighting Al Raed’s ability to produce competitive performances.

All-Time Top Goal Scorers

Legendary figures etch their names into the history of every rivalry. Al Ahli’s former striker Omar Al-Soma is the all-time top scorer in this fixture with a remarkable 17 goals against Al Raed. Al Raed’s all-time top scorer against Al Ahli is Karim El Ahmadi with 8 goals, showcasing his midfield prowess and knack for finding the net.

Players to Watch

Al Ahli boasts exciting talents in its current squad. The arrival of Algerian winger Youcef Belaïli adds flair and creativity to their attack, while the experience of Salman Al-Moasher brings stability in midfield. Young defender Abdulbasit Hindi is a promising talent who provides defensive solidity.

Al Raed has its own standout players. Veteran striker Julio Tavares remains a goal threat in the final third. Algerian midfielder Mohamed El Amine Amoura brings dynamism in the center of the park alongside the industrious Miteb Al-Harbi, who anchors their midfield.

Recent Transfer History

Both clubs have made acquisitions to bolster their squads. Al Ahli signed Senegalese goalkeeper Alioune Badara Faty for defensive reinforcement. They also welcomed the attacking talents of Ali Al-Asmari on loan for additional firepower.

Al Raed’s transfer activity has seen them acquire the services of the skillful Iraqi midfielder Mohammed Ali Abboud. They also focused on solidifying their backline by signing Damjan Djokovic.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Poised for Growth

While Al Ahli maintains a clear advantage in the head-to-head record, Al Raed’s determination and tactical discipline make them a team that cannot be taken lightly. This rivalry continues to gather steam, adding another layer of excitement to the Saudi Pro League.

As both clubs continue to strengthen, the rivalry promises to become increasingly competitive in the coming seasons. Fans can anticipate gripping matches defined by clashes in playing styles, a never-say-die attitude from Al Raed, and the relentless desire for victory from both sides.