The derby between Al-Wehdat and Al-Faisaly hardly needs an introduction, but this time the match, set for the day after tomorrow, carries a different flavor, as it opens the Professional Football League for the current season. Several factors have come together around it, making it one of the most anticipated and exciting matches of the opening round, chief among them the completion of both squads' rosters, the strength of new signings, the return of fans to the stands, calculations of restoring pride, the presence of national team head coach Badou Zaki of Morocco, and the introduction of VAR technology for the first time in matches between the two clubs in the league.
اضافة اعلان
Both teams appear to be entering the match aware that the opening whistle does not merely mark the start of their league campaign, but also an early beginning to a long battle for the title, given the quality signings made by both sides, new names expected to deliver a great deal, and administrative backing that has raised ambitions. Particularly at Al-Faisaly, whose transfer dealings saw notable activity in the recent period. This is a match worth more than three points, one that encapsulates much of both teams' ambitions and opens the door early to a season-long competition, pending the players' feet having the final say and determining which side leaves the pitch with a psychological and points advantage in the first steps toward the title.
Al-Faisaly enters the new season with a different look, having strengthened its squad with numerous local players and foreign professionals, through signings described as high-quality, some of which involved substantial transfer fees, amid the presence of businessman Mohammad Hammoud Al-Huneiti at the head of the club's interim committee, a factor that helped secure the necessary support and drive the transfer activity, in pursuit of a team capable of competing strongly for titles.
On the other side, Al-Wehdat has not been far from the picture either, having worked to strengthen its squad and retain its key players, under the presence of honorary club chairman Imad Al-Dumaisi, with a clear ambition to enter the season strongly and build a team capable of competing both domestically and continentally, in line with the club's stature and its fans' ambitions.
Adding to the intensity of the confrontation is the fact that Al-Faisaly enters it carrying a psychological edge, having defeated Al-Wehdat in the semi-final of the Super Cup, a result that gives "the Blue" extra confidence and opens the door for them to confirm their superiority and secure a second win over their rival within a short span of time. Al-Wehdat, however, will not be prepared to let the same scenario repeat itself, as "the Green" looks to settle the score and secure a win in the opening match of their league campaign, a dynamic that changes the calculations and gives the match a revenge-driven character, on top of its importance in the points race.
The match also carries an added technical dimension with the presence of national team head coach Badou Zaki of Morocco, who is expected to closely watch a large number of players from both squads as preparations continue for the upcoming stage, especially since the national team's lineup will see changes after the conclusion of the third round of the Professional League.
Zaki's presence puts the players under the spotlight, as each seeks to give his best and prove he deserves a place in the national team, making the classico an important opportunity for players hoping to catch the eye of the national team's coaching staff, whether by scoring and creating goals or by delivering strong defensive performances and tactical discipline.
The return of fans to the stands adds another element of excitement to the match, after the Super Cup tournament saw a notable turnout, particularly from Al-Faisaly's supporters, who presented an impressive scene in the stands. Heavy crowds are expected for the match the day after tomorrow, with Al-Wehdat's fanbase also remaining a formidable factor — the match will be held at Al-Wehdat's home ground, with the club receiving 75% of the tickets compared to 25% for Al-Faisaly's fans. Such a large turnout is expected to restore the classico's usual atmosphere and raise the level of excitement inside the stadium, especially since players typically draw extra energy from the crowd's chants.
The match will also see a new development, with the introduction of VAR technology into Al-Wehdat–Al-Faisaly league matches for the first time, as part of the technology's rollout across the new season's competitions, giving the match a different refereeing dimension and helping the officiating team review decisive and impactful incidents. Refereeing decisions are expected to draw significant attention during the match, especially since classico encounters are typically filled with contentious moments, while VAR technology is expected to help reduce impactful errors and give referees the chance to review situations that call for intervention under the rules.
The match also represents an early test for both teams' new signings, with fans eager to see what the players brought in during the transfer window can add, particularly since some of these deals involved substantial transfer fees, placing responsibility on those players to prove their worth from the very start.
National coach Dian Saleh believes the Al-Wehdat–Al-Faisaly match carries great technical importance, as it brings together an elite group of local and professional players and offers a genuine opportunity to assess player levels in a match with major crowd and technical pressure.
He told "Al-Ghad": "The classico is one of those matches that reveals a player's character and his ability to handle pressure, so we expect the players to give their best, with a focus on tactical discipline, physical readiness, and the ability to make the right decision during the match."
He added: "The Al-Wehdat–Al-Faisaly summit is an opportunity for all the players to prove their abilities on the pitch and show that they deserve to wear the national team jersey, especially with changes to the national squad list approaching after the end of the third round of the Professional League. On-field performance is the key criterion, and any player who shows he's ready and delivers the required level will have a genuine chance in the national team's calculations."
