As part of the intensive preparations for the 23rd round of the Roshan Professional League, Al-Hilal's star player Karim Benzema spoke about his physical and mental readiness during the holy month of Ramadan, ahead of the anticipated fiery encounter between his team and Al-Ittihad at the "Kingdom Arena" stadium next Friday.

In exclusive statements shared by the club's official account, Benzema confirmed that fasting gives him an extra incentive to excel, saying, "My performance is better during Ramadan. Ramadan makes me more focused and increases my strength and enthusiasm, praise be to God." These statements underscore the deep spiritual connection the player feels during the holy month and how this positively impacts his performance on the pitch, a phenomenon observed among many Muslim players in leagues around the world.

The importance of El Clásico and its impact on the league

This match holds special significance, not only because it pits the two giants of Saudi football against each other in a classic encounter eagerly anticipated by fans across the Arab world, but also because it comes at a crucial juncture in the league season. Historically, matches between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are among the most intense in the region, always characterized by fierce competition and huge fan excitement. This particular match is seen as a pivotal turning point in the league standings, as each team strives to assert its dominance and delight its supporters during these Ramadan nights.

Benzema facing his former team

The match holds special significance for Karim Benzema, as he will lead Al-Hilal's attack against Al-Ittihad in his first encounter with his former club since joining the Saudi giants on a free transfer. All eyes will be on the French star to see how he handles the pressure of such a high-stakes game, especially as fans are counting on him to decide the outcome thanks to his extensive experience in European and international football.

Technical and physical preparations

On the technical front, Al-Hilal enters the match with high morale after their recent 2-1 victory over Al-Wahda of the UAE, giving the team a significant morale boost. The team resumed training today in preparation for the upcoming match, with the coaching staff focusing on capitalizing on the players' excellent physical condition, particularly Benzema, who has shown great enthusiasm for playing in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan.

The timing of major matches with the month of Ramadan always gives a distinctive character to the Saudi League, as the stands become crowded with fans and the competition reaches its peak, which promises a rich football confrontation befitting the reputation of Saudi football and its rapid development that has attracted the world’s attention.

Brazilian star Malcom Filipe , winger for Al-Hilal's first football team, has sparked debate and anticipation in Saudi sports circles, particularly among Al-Hilal fans, regarding his potential participation in the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad. Al-Hilal is preparing to host its traditional rival in the "Saudi Clasico" as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional , in a highly anticipated match to be held at the Kingdom Arena.

The controversy arose after Malcom posted a video message on his Instagram story, showing him undergoing intensive recovery and physiotherapy. This image was interpreted by followers and analysts as a race against time by the player to recover and reach full fitness before the crucial match, leaving the door open to all possibilities regarding his inclusion in the starting lineup under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.

The concern among Al-Hilal fans stems from an injury sustained by Malcom during the team's last match against Al-Ettifaq, which Al-Hilal won 2-0, continuing their impressive winning streak in the league. This injury is considered a significant blow to the team's tactical plans, given the high level of skill the Brazilian player brings to the team.

The importance of El Clásico and the potential impact of Malcom's absence

The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ittihad match holds immense significance, transcending the mere three-pointer; it represents a historic rivalry between the two giants of Saudi football. This classic encounter attracts widespread public and media attention, not only locally but also regionally, given the presence of world-class stars and high-caliber players on both sides. This match is pivotal in both teams' pursuit of the league title, with Al-Hilal aiming to solidify their lead and widen the gap, while Al-Ittihad seeks to close the gap and prove their competitiveness.

Malcom is a key pillar of Al-Hilal's attacking system, distinguished by his playmaking abilities and crucial goal-scoring prowess, as well as his excellent understanding with the rest of the attack. Therefore, his potential absence may force the coaching staff to make tactical adjustments to compensate for this loss against a team of Al-Ittihad's caliber, which boasts a strong defense and a cohesive midfield.

Fans are awaiting the final medical report in the coming hours, which will determine the player's participation, amid hopes from Al-Hilal supporters that the recovery sessions the player posted are a positive indication of his imminent return to the field to participate in this anticipated football epic.

In a strategic move aimed at elevating Saudi sports on the international stage, the Saudi Fencing Federation, headed by Wasim Al Hassan , signed a partnership renewal agreement with the Italian Fencing Federation, headed by Paolo Azzi . This step reflects the depth of fruitful cooperation between the two federations and establishes a new phase of technical and competitive development, as well as the exchange of in-depth expertise, supporting the growth and prosperity of fencing for both parties.

Details of the agreement and areas of cooperation

The signed agreement encompassed a wide range of developmental aspects, most notably technical and advisory cooperation in technical, organizational, and competitive areas. The agreement also placed significant emphasis on human resources, providing Saudi coaches with the opportunity to participate in advanced coach training courses organized by the Italian Federation, thus ensuring the transfer of the latest global training methodologies to Saudi gyms.

On the players' side, the partnership includes supporting the participation of Saudi fencers in local tournaments within the Italian league, in accordance with established regulations. This represents a significant step forward, allowing Saudi fencers direct exposure to established fencing schools. Furthermore, bilateral matches, joint training camps, and intensive sports exchange programs will be organized between the two national teams.

The Italian School: A Golden History

The selection of the Italian Fencing Federation as a strategic partner is not arbitrary; Italy is historically one of the world's leading fencing powers. The Italian Federation boasts a rich history of Olympic and world medals, and the Italian school of fencing is characterized by a unique technical and tactical style that is taught in academies worldwide. Therefore, this collaboration opens up significant opportunities for Saudi fencing to benefit from a long-standing legacy and decades of accumulated experience, thus accelerating the development of the national teams.

Expected impact and future of Saudi fencing

This move is part of the broader sporting initiative underway in Saudi Arabia, aimed at developing Olympic champions capable of competing on the international stage. This ongoing interaction with Italy is expected to raise the international rankings of Saudi fencers and hone their skills through competition in a high-level professional environment. Furthermore, the presence of Saudi coaches within the Italian system will strengthen the sport's technical infrastructure locally, promising a bright future and a new generation of champions who will ascend to regional and international podiums.