Al Ittihad vs Al Hazem

The vibrant tapestry of Saudi Arabian football features a fascinating rivalry between Al Ittihad FC, a traditional powerhouse, and Al Hazem FC, a team striving to make its mark. These two clubs offer contrasting styles, passionate supporters, and a history marked by both dominance and occasional upsets. This article dives deep into their head-to-head stats, playing styles, formations, key historical clashes, all-time top scorers, players to watch, and recent transfer activities.

Head-to-Head-Statistiken

Spielstile und Formationen

Al Ittihad FC, also known as “The Tigers,” embody a traditional style of attacking football. Their preferred formation is often a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, emphasizing possession, width in attack, and rapid buildup to feed their potent strikers. The midfield orchestrates play, linking defense and attack with a focus on creative passing and movement.

Al Hazem FC, nicknamed “The Thunderbolt,” take a more defensive and counter-attacking approach. They often deploy a 4-5-1, emphasizing a solid defensive structure and rapid transitions when winning possession. Their hardworking midfield focuses on disrupting their opponent’s play, while pacey wingers and a target striker look to capitalize on swift attacking breaks.

Historical Clashes

Al Ittihad and Al Hazem first met in the 2005-06 season, and Al Ittihad holds a clear advantage in the historical record. However, Al Hazem has pulled off notable upsets, keeping things interesting.

One such upset occurred in the King’s Cup Round of 16 in the 2021-22 season when Al Hazem defeated Al Ittihad 2-0, ending Al Ittihad’s hopes of a trophy. Another historic encounter came in the 2019-20 season when a dramatic clash ended in a 2-2 draw with Al Hazem scoring a late equalizer.

Die besten Torschützen aller Zeiten

Al Ittihad has produced several players who have tormented Al Hazem’s defense. Legendary Moroccan striker Abdelrazzaq Hamdallah leads the all-time scoring charts with 9 goals. For Al Hazem, Swedish forward Carlos Strandberg holds the record with 6 goals against Al Ittihad.

Spieler im Blickpunkt

Al Ittihad boasts several stars, including Brazilian attacking midfielder Romarinho, known for his technical skills, goalscoring ability, and creativity. They also field former Inter Milan defender Zinho Vanheusden, adding experience and strength to the backline.

Al Hazem possesses its own exciting talents. Swedish attacker Olaf Kozuch brings creativity to the midfield, while Brazilian defender Moisés provides leadership and defensive solidity. One to watch is the young Saudi right-back Thamer Al-Mohammed with his pace and attacking mindset.

Jüngster Transferverlauf

Both clubs regularly adjust their rosters to stay competitive. Al Ittihad’s recent signings include defender Ahmed Bamasoud to bolster their backline and Ahmed Hegazi to add midfield experience.

Al Hazem has been active as well, acquiring defender Abdullah Al-Shammari for defensive reinforcement and former Al-Ettifaq winger Youssouf Niakaté to provide pace and flair on the wings.

Conclusion: A Rivalry of Contrasts

The head-to-head encounters between Al Ittihad and Al Hazem showcase the contrasting styles and ambitions within Saudi Arabian football. Al Ittihad, as the established giant, brings attacking prowess and a rich history to the field. Al Hazem, on the other hand, embodies a spirit of resilience and the desire to upset the established order.

This rivalry continues to evolve, and with each new season, further chapters are being written. As both clubs refine their squads and tactical approaches, every match holds the potential for surprise, excitement, and a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of the Saudi Pro League.