The stage is set in Unaizah for a captivating encounter as newly-promoted Al-Najma Unaizah host the reigning champions, Al-Ittihad, in a Saudi Pro League clash. This fixture, scheduled for September 20, 2025, at 15:40 UTC, at the Department of Education Stadium, presents a classic David versus Goliath narrative. For Al-Najma, it’s a momentous occasion—their inaugural campaign in the Saudi Pro League era after returning to the top flight for the first time since the 2002-03 season. They will be eager to make a statement against one of the league’s titans. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad arrives as the defending champions of the 2025 Saudi Pro League and Saudi Cup winners, looking to assert their dominance and continue their title defense with authority. What drama will unfold when the ambitious newcomers meet the established giants?
Head-to-Head: A Glimmer from the Past
While a significant gap in league stature exists between these two teams in recent history, there’s an intriguing historical footnote. Al-Najma has reportedly secured victories in two of their past three meetings with Al-Ittihad. However, considering Al-Najma’s long absence from the top flight until their recent promotion, these results likely stem from earlier eras or different competitions, making them more of a historical curiosity than a direct indicator of current form. For this Saudi Pro League encounter, it’s Al-Najma’s first home test against the reigning champions in their return to the elite division.
Current Form & Team News
Al-Najma Unaizah
Al-Najma’s return to the Saudi Pro League has been challenging so far. They currently sit 16th in the league standings, facing the threat of relegation early in the season. In their two matches played in the current Saudi Pro League campaign, they have recorded 0 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses. Their most recent outing saw them suffer a 2-1 defeat against Al-Riyadh. Despite the tough start, the team has bolstered its squad with notable additions for the 2025-26 season under Portuguese manager Mario Silva. Iraqi forward Ali Jasim, at just 21, brings pace and finishing prowess, having already scored in his debut. Experienced Honduran striker Romell Quioto (34) and Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq also joined, providing a blend of youth and experience to the newly promoted side. The Unaizah-based club will be keen to leverage their home advantage, hoping to create a fiery atmosphere despite moving to the larger Department of Education Stadium from their more intimate 3,000-seat Al-Najma Club Stadium.
Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad enters this match as the defending Saudi Pro League champions and also claimed the Saudi Cup in 2025. They are expected to be at the sharp end of the table once again, currently positioned well in the early stages of the league. While one source lists them as 3rd with 2 wins from 2 matches, another places them 1st, underscoring their strong start. Their overall form in the early 2025-26 season shows a mix of results across various competitions. They recently suffered a 2-1 loss to Al-Wahda FC in the AFC Champions League Elite on September 15. However, prior to that, they secured convincing league victories, beating Al Fateh 4-2 on September 12 and Al Okhdood 5-2 on August 30. An earlier Super Cup semi-final saw them lose 2-1 to Al Nassr.
Under coach Laurent Blanc, who was appointed in July 2024, Al-Ittihad boasts a star-studded squad. Karim Benzema remains a crucial attacking force, already bagging 3 goals this season. Midfield maestros N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho, along with Steven Bergwijn and Danilo Pereira, provide immense quality and experience. Key summer arrivals include Roger Fernandes, Mahamadou Doumbia, and Hamed Al-Ghamdi, further strengthening their squad depth. The defending champions will be eager to bounce back from their continental defeat and maintain their strong domestic start.
Tactical Preview
This match is likely to see Al-Ittihad dominate possession and dictate the tempo. Coach Laurent Blanc often favors a structured approach, utilizing the technical prowess of his midfield and the clinical finishing of his attackers. We can expect Al-Ittihad to line up in a formation that allows them to control the central areas, with Kanté and Fabinho orchestrating play and providing a defensive shield. Their attacking threats, particularly Karim Benzema, will look to exploit any defensive lapses from the newly-promoted side.
Al-Najma, on the other hand, under Mario Silva, will likely adopt a more cautious approach, possibly a compact defensive shape to absorb Al-Ittihad’s pressure. Their counter-attacking game will be crucial, relying on the pace of Ali Jasim and the physical presence of Romell Quioto to threaten the champions’ defense. The midfield battle will be key; Al-Najma must prevent Al-Ittihad from settling into a rhythm and try to disrupt their passing lanes. The match is being played at the Department of Education Stadium in Unaizah, which has a capacity of 10,000. The pitch might be artificial turf, which can sometimes influence ball movement and player comfort, potentially leveling the playing field slightly for the home side. Given it’s September in Saudi Arabia, conditions are likely to be warm, potentially affecting player endurance in the latter stages of the game.
