Serbian goalkeeper Bredj Rajkovic, who plays for Al-Ittihad's first football team, made fiery statements that raised the level of challenge before the anticipated match that will bring his team together with Al-Hilal, in the top match of the twenty-third round of the Saudi Professional League, which is scheduled to be held at the "Kingdom Arena" stadium.

In media statements following his team's last match, Rajkovic delivered a direct and strongly worded message to their traditional rivals, emphasizing Al-Ittihad's mental and technical readiness. The Serbian goalkeeper said, "We are not afraid of Al-Hilal. We will go to their stadium to win and fight for every minute of the match. We are the champions from last season and we know how to handle these big games.".

This match holds immense importance, transcending its status as a mere three-pointer; it represents the "Saudi Arabian football classic," a fixture followed by a vast audience both locally and regionally. Historically, encounters between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal have been pivotal in determining the league title race. Rajkovic's statements reflect Al-Ittihad's desire to prove themselves and demonstrate their ability to compete on the toughest pitches and against the strongest opponents.

Bridzic Rajkovic is considered one of the indispensable pillars of the squad under Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição, manager of Al-Ittihad. The goalkeeper has proven his worth recently through his crucial saves and leadership in the back line, making him the first-choice keeper for the Tigers and a key player in crucial matches.

Al-Ittihad enters this match with high morale after securing a valuable victory in the previous round against Al-Fayha, winning 2-1. This win restored balance to the team and gave the players a significant morale boost before heading to Riyadh to face Al-Hilal. The coaching staff, led by Conceição, aims to capitalize on this fighting spirit, which Rajković spoke about, to achieve a positive result that will strengthen the team's position in the Saudi Professional League standings.

It is worth noting that the Clasico matches between the two poles are always characterized by competitiveness and excitement, and the Kingdom Arena stadium is expected to witness a huge crowd, which adds additional pressure on the players, but Rajkovic’s words confirm that Al-Ittihad is determined to turn this pressure into an incentive to win.

Saudi and Asian football fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when global star Karim Benzema will make his debut for Al-Hilal in the continental competition. Questions have recently arisen about the date of his first appearance in the AFC Champions League. This heightened interest stems from the player's absence from recent training sessions and continental matches, fueling curiosity among sports fans about the reasons behind his absence and the actual timing of his return.

The reason for Benzema's absence and the date of his first appearance

Technical and administrative reports have revealed that the main reason behind Karim Benzema's absence from Al-Hilal's current group stage matches is due to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations. These regulations prohibit a player from representing two different clubs in the same edition of the tournament during a single stage. Since Benzema has already participated in the AFC Champions League group stage (with his former club), his participation with Al-Hilal is legally postponed.

Therefore, it is definitively confirmed that Karim Benzema's participation with Al-Hilal will officially begin with the Round of 16 match , after the team secures qualification for the knockout stages. This is the legally permitted time to register new or transferred players in the Asian squads to continue their journey towards the title.

Al-Hilal and preparations for the crucial stages

Al-Hilal is enjoying a period of great stability, having secured a crucial victory in their last match against Al-Ettifaq with a score of 2-0 in the previous round of the Saudi Professional League. This win boosts the team's morale before entering the Asian Champions League knockout stages, where the club aims to continue its winning streak.

Al-Hilal's history in Asian championships

It's impossible to discuss the AFC Champions League without mentioning Al Hilal's illustrious history in the competition. Al Hilal is the most decorated club in Asia in terms of continental titles and possesses extensive experience in handling the pressures of knockout matches. Adding a name of Karim Benzema's caliber to their star-studded squad in the Round of 16 will be a tremendous boost to the team's chances of reclaiming the continental title, especially given the tournament's new "elite" format featuring the strongest clubs in Asia.

The importance of the AFC Champions League for elite players

The current edition of the AFC Champions League holds immense strategic importance, not only for Saudi clubs but also internationally. The winning team and those participating in the knockout stages are guaranteed substantial financial rewards and places in global tournaments such as the revamped FIFA Club World Cup. Therefore, preparing Al Hilal's attacking force with Benzema's participation in the knockout rounds is a crucial tactical move for competing for continental supremacy.

In a strategic move reflecting the rapid development of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ittihad Club officially announced the commencement of the detailed design phase for the "Al-Ittihad Sports Village" project. This step underscores the Jeddah-based club's commitment to building a sustainable future that aligns with the transformative shift Saudi sports are experiencing under the umbrella of Vision 2030.

The official statement issued by the club explained that Al-Ittihad Club Company, represented by the Director of Facilities and Infrastructure, Engineer Hassan Harsani, has finalized crucial agreements to realize this dream. A contract was signed with the international firm Parsons to serve as the project management consultant, and another with FIA to be the lead designer of this new sports complex. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the club's CEO, Mr. Dominicus Oliveira, reflecting the utmost importance the administration places on this project.

A qualitative leap in sports infrastructure

This project is more than just a traditional sports facility; it represents a qualitative leap in the infrastructure of Saudi clubs. This move comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented sporting activity aimed at transforming the Saudi League into one of the strongest leagues in the world, which requires world-class facilities comparable to those of the biggest European clubs. Advanced infrastructure is the cornerstone for developing young talent and attracting international stars, which is what the Federation seeks to achieve through this village.

Integrated facilities with international standards

According to the master plan, the sports village will be an integrated environment encompassing the club's headquarters, dedicated training pitches for the first team and others for youth teams, ensuring a professional hierarchy in player development. The project will also include specialized centers for developing athletic performance, state-of-the-art administrative facilities, and commercial assets and investments aimed at enhancing the club's financial sustainability—a vital element in the era of sports privatization.

A strategic location that enhances the fan experience

The project boasts a unique strategic location near King Abdullah Sports City (The Shining Jewel) in Jeddah. This proximity grants the project direct access and integration with the city's urban and sporting environment, positioning it as a world-class sporting destination. This location is expected to enhance the fan experience, facilitate access, and improve the club's daily operational efficiency.

The club's management concluded its statement by emphasizing that the design was chosen after a rigorous competition among a select group of international consultants, to ensure its compliance with FIFA requirements and global best practices, making it a model to be emulated in the region.