Al Hilal Set to Face Al Ahli Saudi in the First Saudi Super Cup Semi-Final for a Chance at Silverware to Start the 2024-25 Season in Style
As the new Saudi Pro League season beckons, the teams that finished in the top four positions are set for the season’s curtain raiser: the Saudi Super Cup. First up is Al Hilal, facing off against Al Ahli Saudi in the first semi-final. The winner will face whoever wins the second semi-final, pitting Al Nassr against Al Taawoun.
Al Hilal will be looking at the competition as an opportunity to remind other contenders of their dominance. The momentum from winning the Super Cup will be instrumental in kickstarting a title challenge with the competition expected to be intense this season with the other team having taken advantage of the summer transfer window to address their weaknesses.
Al Ahli Saudi will go into the match knowing that Al Hilal will be daunted by the expectations of matching their exceptional 2023-24 season. Al Hilal recorded a 91% win rate and averaged 2.97 goals last season, which enabled them to finish a whopping 14 points ahead of second-placed Al Nassr.
Unlike other teams, Al Hilal have been quiet in the transfer window with only one key departure: long-time captain Salman Al Faraj. With no major incomings, a returning Neymar will undoubtedly add firepower to the defending champions. However, the Brazilian forward will not be ready in time to lace up his boots for the Super Cup encounters.
Matthias Jaissle and his Al Ahli charges will face an opportunity to inflict Al Hilal’s first domestic defeat in over 15 months. Such a feat will impact their self-belief and also level the playing field by deflating Al Hilal’s confidence. Whether they succeed in that mission remains to be seen.
