Al-Hilal vs Al-Raed

The Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Al Raed on May 7, 2025, was a tightly contested encounter that saw Al Hilal emerge victorious with a 1–0 win. The decisive goal came in the 32nd minute from Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović, marking his 32nd goal of the season. Despite dominating possession with 74.9%, Al Hilal managed only two shots on target, while Al Raed had one, reflecting a closely fought match.

Match Overview

The game was held at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah, home to Al Raed. Al Hilal's victory was crucial in maintaining their pursuit of the league title, keeping them in second place, six points behind leaders Al Ittihad. Al Raed, on the other hand, remained in the lower half of the table, struggling to find consistent form throughout the season.

Historical Context

Historically, Al Hilal has been dominant in this fixture, winning 28 out of 33 encounters, with Al Raed securing just one victory and four matches ending in draws. This dominance underscores the challenges Al Raed faces when up against one of Saudi Arabia's most successful clubs.

Team Profiles

Al Hilal Saudi FC: Founded in 1957, Al Hilal is based in Riyadh and is one of the most decorated clubs in Asia, boasting numerous domestic and continental titles. Known as "Al-Za'eem" (The Boss), they play their home games at the Kingdom Arena, a modern stadium with a capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators. The club is owned by the Public Investment Fund and has a strong fan base across the region. (Wikipedia)

Al Raed FC: Established in 1954, Al Raed is based in Buraidah and was the first club from the Qassim region to enter the Saudi Premier League. They play their home matches at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, which they share with local rivals Al-Taawoun. Despite a passionate fan base, Al Raed has often found themselves battling in the lower half of the league table. (Wikipedia)

Tactical Analysis

Al Hilal's approach to the game was characterized by patient buildup play and maintaining possession, aiming to break down Al Raed's defensive setup. The midfield trio orchestrated the tempo, with wingers providing width and stretching the opposition's defense. Mitrović's presence up front was a constant threat, and his goal exemplified his clinical finishing ability.

Al Raed, aware of Al Hilal's attacking prowess, adopted a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. While they managed to limit Al Hilal's clear-cut chances, their own offensive ventures were limited, resulting in only one shot on target throughout the match.

Key Players

• Aleksandar Mitrović (Al Hilal): The Serbian striker continued his prolific form, netting his 32nd goal of the season. His ability to find space and finish chances has been instrumental in Al Hilal's title challenge.

• Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al Hilal): The midfielder's vision and passing range were crucial in controlling the game's tempo and linking defense with attack.

• Karim El Berkaoui (Al Raed): As Al Raed's top scorer, El Berkaoui's movement and work rate were evident, although he found limited opportunities against a well-organized Al Hilal defense.

Implications for the Season

Al Hilal's victory kept them within touching distance of league leaders Al Ittihad, ensuring that the title race remained competitive as the season approached its climax. For Al Raed, the loss highlighted the need for improved consistency and attacking impetus to climb the league standings and avoid relegation battles.

Conclusion

The match between Al Hilal and Al Raed showcased the gulf in class between the two sides, with Al Hilal's experience and quality proving decisive. While Al Raed displayed resilience and organization, they were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from Mitrović. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance—Al Hilal aiming for the title, and Al Raed striving for stability and growth.