RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Al Ittihad go face Al Shabab on May 20, 2025, in a critical clash of the Saudi Pro League season. With just one week remaining in the season, Ittihad is poised to secure the league title if they win this match.
Currently leading the table with 77 points, Al Ittihad needs only one more victory from their two remaining games to clinch the championship. Their rivals, Al Hilal, sit behind them at 71 points and have the possibility to tie if they win their last two matches, but are hindered by goal difference.
“For us, it is vital to win. If we lose both matches, Hilal could overtake us by goal difference,” said Ittihad coach. “We will remain focused and play our game.”
Ittihad boasts a goal difference of plus 42, while Al Hilal leads with plus 52. With Shabab positioned in sixth place, they have no chance of winning the Pro League or qualifying for the AFC. Al Shabab’s current record shows 17 wins, six draws, and nine losses.
Although Al Shabab will try to upset Ittihad’s title hopes, they have little to gain themselves as they stand out of contention. “We just want to end the season on a high,” said Shabab coach.
The pressure is also on Al Ittihad, as winning this match will not only ensure them the league title but also confirm their qualification for the AFC Champions League 2025-26 season.
Weather predictions suggest warm but ideal conditions for the match, adding to the intense atmosphere expected at the stadium. “It will be a physically demanding game, but we are ready,” said an Ittihad player.
As the final matches approach, every point matters. The relegation battle also looms, as teams finishing in the bottom three (16th, 17th, and 18th) will drop to Division One. “Every match is crucial. We’re focused on getting the win,” an Ittihad forward concluded.
With Ittihad in superior form and a robust match history against Shabab, many are tipping them to triumph in this encounter.
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