By Sports Desk | May 16, 2025
Al Fateh vs Al Hilal : As the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 enters its final stretch, Al Hilal will be hoping to keep their title hopes alive when they face Al Fateh tonight at the Al Fateh Club Stadium in Al-Hofuf. With the match scheduled to kick off at 9:25 PM IST, fans are expecting nothing less than high-octane football under the Saudi night sky.
Al Hilal: A Race Against Time and Ittihad
Al Hilal, currently second in the standings, have had an impressive season so far with 21 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses from 31 matches. With a goal difference of +51, they hold a key advantage over table-toppers Al Ittihad, who are just ahead with 24 wins from 32 games and a +42 goal difference.
However, time is not on Hilal’s side. Ittihad have just two games remaining, and even one win could seal the championship for them. For Hilal to have any chance, they must not only win all of their remaining fixtures—including tonight’s clash against Fateh—but also hope Ittihad slip up.
The pressure is immense, but Hilal have been here before. With stars like Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, they have the experience and the firepower to deliver under pressure.
Al Fateh: Pride on the Line
For Al Fateh, this match is about pride and finishing strong. Positioned 13th on the table, they are safe from relegation but far from the title race. With 9 wins, 6 draws, and 16 losses from their 31 matches, it’s been a challenging campaign for them.
That said, their recent form has been decent—3 wins and a draw in their last five matches—and they’ll be eager to play spoiler to Hilal’s title dreams. Key players like Mourad Batna and Sofiane Bendebka will be vital if Fateh are to pull off a surprise.
Head-to-Head: Hilal Dominates
Looking at the historical data, Al Hilal have won 28 of their 33 encounters, while Fateh have only managed five victories. Recent form also slightly favors Hilal, who have won three of their last five matches. But Fateh, playing at home, will look to make it difficult.
Weather & Conditions
Expect a hot evening in Al-Hofuf, with the temperature soaring around 42°C and humidity at 12%. Fortunately, there’s no rain expected, so a dry, quick pitch could be in store—ideal for fast-paced attacking play.
Predicted Line-ups
Al Fateh (Probable XI):
Nawaf Alaqidi (GK), Marwane Saadane, Ahmed Al-Julaydan, Hussain AlZarie, Jorge Fernandes, Mourad Batna, Sofiane Bendebka, Othman Alothma, Zaydou Youssef, Amine Sbai, Matias Vargas.
Al Hilal (Probable XI):
Yassine Bounou (GK), Hamad Al-Yami, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Al-Tambekti, Moteb Al-Harbi, Mohamed Kanno, Salem Al Dawsari, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
What’s at Stake
For Hilal, it’s simple: win or wave goodbye to the title. Every point matters now. For Fateh, it’s about finishing strong and giving their fans something to cheer about in the final stages of the season.
With both teams having contrasting ambitions, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the floodlights.
