ALGIERS, Algeria (Interstat) — Saoura hosts CR Belouizdad on Tuesday, May 12, in a pivotal Ligue 1 clash that could shape the Algerian championship race. Kickoff is set for the home side’s stadium in Béchar.

Saoura (9-2-3 in its last 14 league matches) enters the match in strong form. The team defeated ES Mostaganem 4-0 on Thursday, May 7, its second consecutive victory. Saoura’s defense has been stingy, allowing just one goal in its last four outings, a stretch that includes a 2-1 win at MC Alger on April 5 and a 1-0 victory at Kabylie on March 18. Forward Mohamed Benarous has led the attack, scoring in three of those matches.

CR Belouizdad (10-1-3 in its last 14 league matches) comes in after a 3-1 win over USM Khenchela on Monday, May 4. The victory continued a dominant stretch for the visitors, who have won six of their last seven matches. That run includes a 7-0 thrashing of ES Mostaganem on April 5 and a 3-0 win at Paradou AC on April 1. Midfielder Abdelaziz Harrag has been a key playmaker, recording assists in back-to-back games.

The teams met once this season, with Saoura winning 2-1 at CR Belouizdad on Sept. 13, 2025. That result snapped a four-game unbeaten streak for the visitors against Saoura.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the two title contenders. Saoura sits third in the Ligue 1 table, while CR Belouizdad holds second place.

Both teams face quick turnarounds after Tuesday’s match. Saoura travels to MC El Bayadh on Wednesday, May 20, while CR Belouizdad hosts ES Ben Aknoun on Sunday, May 24.