Al-Hilal claimed a 3-1 victory over rivals Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League’s highly anticipated Clasico on Saturday. However, one notable absence from the match sheet was Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, sparking questions among fans and commentators alike.
Al-Hilal, who faced off against a strong Al-Ittihad side featuring Karim Benzema, maintained their perfect start to the season.
Despite the high stakes of the encounter, Koulibaly was left out, which raised eyebrows, especially considering his status as one of the club’s star players.
Contrary to speculation, Koulibaly’s absence was not due to injury or suspension.
It was instead a tactical decision by head coach Jorge Jesus, who explained in the post-match press conference why he opted to leave out the Senegalese international.
Jesus highlighted that he could only register eight foreign players for the match and chose to prioritize other tactical considerations over fielding Koulibaly.
Instead, he placed his trust in Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi, a choice that, according to Jesus, was specifically tailored to counter Al-Ittihad’s pacey winger Moussa Diaby.
“Each match has its strategy,” Jesus said. “Moussa Diaby is a dangerous and fast player, and we needed a strong defensive player against him.
So, I preferred the presence of Renan Lodi rather than Kalidou Koulibaly on the match sheet.
Lodi had a good match and marked Diaby well.
Moreover, when Lodi came off, Diaby became more dangerous,” he added.
Jesus’ decision proved successful, as Al-Hilal controlled much of the match.
The defensive pairing of Hassan Al-Tambakti and Ali Albulayhi was able to neutralize Al-Ittihad’s attacking threats, including French star Karim Benzema.
Though Benzema managed to score late in the game, it came as little more than a consolation goal.
Al-Hilal’s backline held strong for most of the match, with Lodi’s contribution being key to shutting down Diaby’s influence.
Jesus’ tactics, though surprising, helped secure an important win that kept Al-Hilal’s unbeaten run intact and pushed them to the top of the table after four consecutive victories.
Despite his absence, Koulibaly remains a crucial part of Al-Hilal’s squad.
The former Napoli and Chelsea centre-back has quickly established himself as a leader since joining the club in the summer.
His omission was purely circumstantial, with Jesus adapting his lineup to suit the tactical demands of the match.
Given Al-Hilal’s packed schedule and their ambitions to compete on multiple fronts, including in domestic and international competitions, Koulibaly is expected to feature prominently in future matches.
The coach’s rotation is likely aimed at keeping his squad fresh and ready for a long season ahead.
With their convincing win against a strong Al-Ittihad side, Al-Hilal has sent a clear signal of their intent to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title this season.
The team has shown remarkable depth, and Jesus’ willingness to make bold tactical choices, such as resting key players like Koulibaly, suggests that the club is prepared for a gruelling campaign.
The victory over Al-Ittihad also underlines the growing competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, which has seen an influx of star talent, including the likes of Benzema, Koulibaly, and Neymar.
For Al-Hilal, the ability to adapt and make strategic decisions will be critical as they aim to lift the trophy and assert their dominance in the league.
As Al-Hilal continue their pursuit of domestic glory, fans can expect to see Koulibaly back in the starting lineup soon.
His leadership and defensive prowess will be essential as the season progresses, especially in big matches against top rivals.
For now, Jorge Jesus’ tactical gamble paid off, with Al-Hilal earning an important win that keeps their perfect record intact.
جيسوس – مدرب الهلال:
الشوط الأول كان جنونيًا من قبل الهلال، ولاعبو الاتحاد عجزوا عن مجاراة الإيقاع، وننتظر بفارغ الصبر أن نلعب في ملعبنا#نحلم_ونحقق 🇸🇦 #دوري_روشن_السعودي#الهلال_الاتحاد | #SSC pic.twitter.com/CteFQbUIYi
— SSC (@ssc_sports) September 21, 2024
