Only a handful of matches in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region get the juices flowing quite like the Saudi Clasico, featuring Al-Ittihad, the country's oldest surviving football club, and Al-Hilal, the most decorated team in the Kingdom. I was fortunate enough to witness this rivalry on the Saudi Foundation Day celebrated every year on February 22. The Tigers, Al-Ittihad, represent the port city of Jeddah, while the Blue Waves, Al-Hilal, are based more than 1,000 km away in Riyadh, the capital of the Saudi Kingdom.
The away Ultras retaliated with a tribute of their own. Their tifo featured a portrait of their star striker Alexander Mitrovic, missing the game due to an injury.
After pre-match routines and handshakes, Ittihad players assembled in front of their fans behind Predrag Rajkovic's goal.
As far as the action on the pitch, it was a game of two halves. Hilal dictated the early proceedings, rightfully taking the lead in the 23rd minute through Marcos Leonardo.
But, it was all Al-Ittihad after that point. Hassan Kadesh equalised six minutes later, heading home from a routine corner. Steven Bergwijn completed the turnaround on the stroke of half-time.
In the second half, Hilal were no match for the hosts. In-form Bergwijn was on target again, scoring just six minutes after the restart. Club captain Benzema then completed the rout, scoring four minutes before the end of regulation time.
While Al-Ittihad might've taken the bragging rights, it surely wasn't the end as a long season stretches ahead.