In a highly competitive clash, Wydad Athletic Club and Raja Athletic Club shared the spoils in matchday 26 of the Moroccan Botola Pro League.
The Casablanca derby, held at the deserted Stade Mohammed V ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday. Wydad opened the scoring in the 18th minute from the spot through Mohamed Rayhi before Raja leveled the score, nine minutes later through Houssine Rahimi.
Both teams created multiple chances in the match, however, poor decision-making in the final third and a lack of sharpness kept the score level.
Wydad now sits third on the Premier League table, accumulating 44 points, while Raja remains ninth with 38 points.
Meanwhile, the crucial match had to be played in a rare atmosphere, as unhappy fans from both clubs boycotted the match.
The decision to boycott the much-anticipated clash was sparked by three major reasons: The prolonged closure of Stade Mohammed V for renovations, frustration with club management and declining performances, and discontent with Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, whom supporters blame for the clubs’ struggles.
Known to be one of the biggest rivalry games across the globe, both Wydad and Raja Club Athletic as well as the Moroccan FA will have to settle their differences for the betterment of the league.
