une finale de prestige entre deux spécialistes
USM Alger vs. CR Belouizdad: A Historic Final
A New Chapter in Algerian Football
On Saturday at 5:00 PM, the storied rivalry between USM Alger and CR Belouizdad is set to intensify as they meet for the sixth time in the final of the 58th Algerian Cup at the Nelson-Mandela Stadium in Baraki.
Aiming for Glory
USM Alger, boasting eight trophies, is determined to clinch their first cup victory since 2013, when they defeated their longtime rival, MC Alger. Conversely, CR Belouizdad, the defending champion, aims to secure their tenth Algerian Cup title, marking a significant milestone that would cement their status as a dominant force in the tournament.
Solid Paths to the Final
Both teams have a rich history in the competition. USM Alger is appearing in its 18th final, hoping to salvage a less-than-stellar league season where they finished seventh. For CR Belouizdad, chasing their seventh consecutive title across all competitions, this final represents their 14th appearance.
Their journeys to this point have not been without challenges. CR Belouizdad faced CR Zaouia in the early rounds, edging them out 1-0. They then defeated MC Alger by the same scoreline to advance to the quarter-finals, where they triumphed over US Chaouia with a score of 4-2. Their path culminated in a tight 1-0 victory against MO Béjaïa, followed by another 1-0 win over MC El-Bayadh, securing their place in the final.
USM Alger had a strong start, thrashing Olympique Magrane 6-0 and narrowly defeating NC Magra and RC Kouba by 1-0 in the following rounds. Their quarter-final match was a commanding 5-0 victory against CR Témouchent. They faced USM El-Harrach in the semi-finals, emerging victorious 1-0 after extra time, thanks to a decisive penalty from captain Adem Alilet.
An Uncertain Finale
The final is expected to be highly competitive. Both teams have experienced tight matches in their league encounters this season, with a goalless draw in the first meeting and a 1-1 tie in the second. This aligns with the narrative of an open and unpredictable final where even minor details could determine the outcome.
The atmosphere at Baraki promises to be electric, with fans of both clubs filling the stands. The stadium will be a canvas of red and black for USM Alger and red and white for CR Belouizdad. Supporters are eager to provide their teams with the passionate backing that can influence a match.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the entire city of Algiers holds its breath, wondering which team will hoist the prestigious cup at the end of 90 minutes—or perhaps longer.
