The decisive clash of King’s Cup between Al-Hilal and Al-Kholood, scheduled for this Thursday, April 23, will not be held on the scheduled date. The tournament organization confirmed the postponement hours before kickoff at Kingdom Arena, at Riyadh.
The teams were already preparing for the duel that would define the champion of the competition. Al-Hilal was looking for another title this season, while Al-Kholood tried to surprise in the grand final.
Motivo postpones King’s Cup final
The Saudi football federation decided to postpone the game due to logistical issues related to preparing the stadium. Kingdom Arena received last-minute adjustments that prevented the match from taking place at the original time of 3pm (local time).
Fontes close to the organization indicated that the postponement aims to guarantee ideal conditions for the show. A new date should be announced in the coming days, with the possibility of occurring at the end of April or beginning of May.
- Al-Hilal builds up a long undefeated streak this season
- Al-Kholood reached the final after eliminating strong teams in the knockouts
- Kingdom Arena is the stage chosen for the decision
- Transmissão live should be kept on the same platforms when the date is confirmed
- Ingressos already sold will be valid for the new date
Escalação likely from Al-Hilal for the clash
Coach Simone Inzaghi has an almost complete squad. The base formation must have Yassine Bounou in goal. The defense has Kalidou Koulibaly, Theo Hernández and Hassan Al-Tambakti. In midfield, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Salem Al-Dawsari command the actions. In attack, Karim Benzema, Malcom and Marcos Leonardo form the offensive line.
The team is coming off an impressive 6-0 victory over Al-Kholood in a recent game for Campeonato Saudita. Essa rout took place on April 8th at the same stadium.
Escalação likely from Al-Kholood
Des Buckingham must maintain the foundation that took the team to the final. Juan Pablo Cozzani stays in goal. The defense has Shaquille Pinas and Norbert Gyömbér. In the middle, John Buckley, Kevin N’Doram and Hattan Bahbri gain space. In attack, Ramiro Enrique and Myziane Maolida are the main options.
Al-Kholood showed resilience throughout the cup and is looking for the first major title in its history. The team occupies an intermediate position in the national league.
Histórico from recent clashes
The two teams faced each other a few weeks ago. Al-Hilal dominated the duel and won by rout. Antes Furthermore, the games were balanced in other competitions, but favoritism always leaned towards the blue side.
Onde watch live
The broadcast of the postponed final of King’s Cup must take place on the official SSC Sports channels and streaming platforms that hold rights to Brasil and Arábia Saudita. Apps like DAZN and beIN Sports also usually cover the main games of the tournament. Acompanhe updates on the broadcasters’ websites for the new date and times.
Resultados of each team’s last five games
Al-Hilal
- Vitória 6-0 against Al-Kholood (Campeonato Saudita)
- Empate at 3-3 with Al-Sadd (AFC Champions League, eliminated on penalties)
- Vitória against national league team
- Vitória against another opponent
- Vitória in recent engagement
Al-Kholood
- Derrota 6-0 to Al-Hilal (Campeonato Saudita)
- Classificação to the final after victory in the knockouts
- Resultado positive in league game
- Empate or victory in previous engagement
- Desempenho solid in recent round
Ficha technique and interesting facts
The Kingdom Arena stadium has a capacity for more than 25 thousand fans. The weather in Riyadh this Thursday indicates temperatures between 22°C and 31°C, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain.
Al-Hilal is the big favorite according to bookmakers, with odds close to 1.13 for victory. The team has more than 25 games without defeat this season. Al-Kholood, in turn, dreams of the upset in a historic final.
Copa of Rei Saudita gives the champion a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Two. Isso increases the bond value for both sides.
The federation should soon announce the new date to avoid conflict with the national league agenda and continental commitments. Torcedores who purchased tickets will be entitled to exchange or refund according to the event rules.