When discussing the greatest Arab football rivalries, the Riyadh Derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr stands in a league of its own. In recent years, this clash has captivated a global audience, fueled by a constellation of world-class superstars representing both giants.
The rivalry dates back to a friendly in 1958, where Al-Nassr won 1-0. Their first official meeting took place in the 1964 King’s Cup, ending in a 1-1 draw. Since then, the two clubs have faced off across six different competitions, extending their legendary battle from domestic stages to the AFC Champions League.
League and Cup Dominance: A Century of Rivalry
In the Saudi Professional League, the competition is incredibly tight. Out of 119 encounters, Al-Hilal holds a slight edge with 44 wins compared to Al-Nassr 43. However, in the King’s Cup, the “Blue Wave” shows more dominance with 11 victories over the “Knights of Najd.”
The “Semi-Final of the Century”: AFC Champions League History
The two sides have met only once on the continental stage, specifically in the 2020 AFC Champions League. In what became known as the “Semi-Final of the Century,” Al-Hilal secured a historic 2-1 victory to advance to the final.
Full Head-to-Head Record: All Official & Friendly Matches
Beyond the major trophies, the clubs have battled in the Crown Prince Cup, Federation Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. In total, they have played 191 matches:
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Al-Hilal Wins: 79
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Al-Nassr Wins: 68
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Draws: 49
| Competition | Matches | Al-Hilal Wins | Al-Nassr Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Professional League | 119 | 44 | 43 | 32 |
| King’s Cup | 20 | 11 | 6 | 4 |
| AFC Champions League | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Saudi Super Cup | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Crown Prince Cup | 11 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Total (Official + Friendly) | 191 | 79 | 68 | 49 |
