Al Hilal vs Al-Ahli

When Al-Hilal plays Al-Ahli at Kingdom Arena on Friday in Round 23 of the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League season, they want to maintain their lead in the championship race.

Last time out, the defending champions decisively ended a three-match losing streak by crushing Al-Kholood 5-1 at home. Jorge Jesus's team will be looking to gain momentum with another impressive showing.

With 43 points from their first 16 league games, Al-Hilal got off to a scorching start in their championship defense and seemed poised to win the title again without losing a single game the previous season.

However, a rough spell at the start of the month saw them drop crucial points—back-to-back draws against Damac and Al-Riyadh, followed by a defeat to title rivals Al-Ittihad, saw them slip seven points adrift at the summit.

The dominant victory over Al-Kholood on Tuesday may have helped restore confidence, but whether the Blue Waves are truly back to their best remains to be seen, and Friday's clash against a strong Al-Ahli side will provide a much sterner test. That said, history is on Al-Hilal's side, as they are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with the visitors across all competitions, winning six and drawing two, including a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture last October.

Playing consecutive matches at the Kingdom Arena will be welcome news for the home faithful, as their side boasts a formidable record on home turf – Al-Hilal have taken 31 points from a possible 33 at their fortress, winning 10 and drawing one—making them, alongside Al-Ittihad, one of only two teams still unbeaten at home in the league this season.

Al-Ahli is eager to secure their first victory over Al-Hilal since 2020, and with the reigning champions appearing more vulnerable than in previous seasons, the visitors will see this as a prime opportunity—especially after their dominant 4-1 triumph over Al-Quadisiya on Tuesday.

Matthias Jaissle’s squad heads into the match in excellent form, having won six of their last seven league games. Their only setback in that stretch was a narrow 3-2 home loss to Al-Nassr earlier this month.

Currently sitting fifth in the table with 44 points, Al-Ahli is just three points behind Al-Nassr, who hold the final AFC Champions League qualification spot. Having finished third last season, the Royals are determined to reclaim their place in Asia’s elite club competition.

Jaissle’s side has also been formidable on the road, securing 19 points from a possible 33 away from home. They have won their last four competitive away matches, three of which came in the Saudi Pro League.

Boasting the joint-best defensive record in the league—having conceded just 19 goals in 22 games—Al-Ahli will once again rely on their defensive solidity in what is set to be a high-stakes showdown.