JYNEWS, AL HILAL VS. AL KHOLOOD : The Saudi Pro League is set for fireworks as Al Hilal and Al Kholood clash at the Kingdom Arena on February 25, 2025. With Al Hilal reeling from a shocking 4-1 defeat and Al Kholood riding a mini-resurgence, this rematch of their 4-2 thriller promises drama, goals, and redemption. Here’s your ultimate guide to the showdown!
Al Hilal’s season has been a mix of brilliance and frustration. Sitting 2nd in the league with 48 points (15 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses), their recent 4-1 thrashing by Al Ittihad exposed defensive cracks. Key stats:
: Unbeaten at home this season (9 wins, 1 draw).
: Scored 61 goals in 21 games—2.9 per match!
: Conceded 24 goals, including 9 in their last 5 matches.
:
: Captain and creative heartbeat (7 goals, 12 assists).
: Brazilian striker with 23 goals in 21 games.
: Physical target man (15 goals).
:
Last 5 Matches: ✅✅⚽⚔️❌ (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
Crumbled against Al Ittihad despite Leonardo’s opener.
Al Kholood’s season has been a rollercoaster. Sitting 11th with 25 points, they’ve shown flashes of grit but lack consistency:
: Just 3 wins in 11 away games.
: Conceded 37 goals (2nd-worst in the league).
: Won 3 of their last 5 matches, including a 1-0 upset over Al Wehda.
:
: Match-winner vs. Al Wehda (3 goals in 5 games).
: Midfield engine (4 assists).
: Veteran striker (8 goals) needs to step up.
:
Likely to park the bus with a 5-4-1 formation.
Counter-attacks via Maolida’s pace and Benzema’s hold-up play.
The teams have met once this season:
: Al Hilal 4-2 Al Kholood (Away).
(2 goals), Mitrović, and Al-Dawsari starred.
Al Kholood’s Benzema and Kadesh scored consolations.
:
: All H2H games had 3+ goals.
: Scored 28 goals in 10 home games.
:
Bono (GK); Al-Bulaihi, Koulibaly, Al-Shahrani, Abdulhamid; Neves, Milinković-Savić; Al-Dawsari, Malcolm, Michael; Leonardo.
:
Al-Mermesh (GK); Al-Zubaidi, Al-Harbi, Al-Saeed, Al-Mousa, Al-Shammeri; Maolida, Kadesh, Al-Faraj, Al-Shehri; Benzema.
: The Brazilian’s movement vs. a shaky defense.
: Can he unlock the 5-man wall?
: Needs to step up after a quiet season.
Al Hilal’s firepower and home advantage should prevail. Expect:
: Likely, given both teams’ defensive issues.
: Al Kholood’s Maolida/Benzema can exploit gaps.
: Marcos Leonardo.
:
Match Result: Al Hilal Win
Total Goals: Over 2.5
BTTS: Yes
: SSC Sports, KSA Sports.
: YouTube highlights, Sofascore live updates.
: 4:30 PM Local | 1:30 PM GMT | 7:00 PM IST.
: Can Al Kholood pull off an upset?
A: Unlikely. Al Hilal’s home record is formidable (9W, 1D), and Al Kholood’s away form is poor (3W, 6L).
: Who’s Al Hilal’s danger man?
A: Marcos Leonardo—23 goals this season. His positioning and finishing are lethal.
: Will Benzema score?
A: Possible. He netted in the reverse fixture and thrives in big games.
: Why did Al Hilal lose 4-1 to Al Ittihad?
A: Defensive lapses and Bergwijn/Benzema’s brilliance. They’ll tighten up at home.
: What’s at stake for Al Hilal?
A: Closing the gap on leaders Al Ittihad (3 points behind). A win keeps title hopes alive.
Al Hilal’s attacking firepower should overwhelm Al Kholood’s fragile defense. While Benzema might grab a consolation, expect the Blue Waves to ride a 3-1 victory and reignite their title charge. Tune in for goals, drama, and a potential masterclass from Leonardo!
: Al-Dawsari’s wizardry, Benzema’s last stand, and whether Al Kholood’s defense can survive the onslaught!