Let’s just admit something right off the bat: nobody had Union Sportive Boujaad and Riadi Salmi circled as appointment viewing at the start of this Botola 2 season. This wasn’t the Casablanca Derby, or Raja’s title procession. Heck, not even the sort of “trap game” that gets pundits sweating into their suit jackets. But, like a low-budget indie flick that comes out of left field and suddenly everyone’s texting you, “Yo, have you seen this?”, here we are. This is the undercard that’s becoming main event energy.

Riadi Salmi are rolling into this matchup sitting second in the table and looking like that unexpected kid at the house party who’s quietly taken over the aux cord. Two wins from three, six points, a defense that’s as stingy as your uncle at tip time. And they’ve got that whiff of swagger: back-to-back wins, including a gritty 1-0 over Wydad Fès, and that crazy 3-2 away barnburner at Racing Casablanca. You want character? They’re showing the sort of resilience you get from binge-watching three seasons of Narcos—you just get tougher and smarter with every episode (or, in their case, every ninety minutes).

It’s not just about win-loss records, though. Salmi’s victories haven’t been the type where you kick back in your seat with twenty minutes to go, content that the popcorn’s gone stale. They grind, they claw, and most importantly, they know how to turn chaos into points. That counts for plenty in a division where “pretty football” often gets you nowhere, and only the streetwise survive the marathon.

But don’t sleep on Boujaad. Sure, their recent form—one win, one draw, one loss in the last three—reads like that section on your Spotify playlist where you can’t remember why you added half these tracks. But dig deeper and you hear the tones of a team learning to play the long game. Their 2-0 win over Moghreb Tetouan? That was a statement—goals neat as a fresh fade, a shutout, real control. But then there’s the frustrating 0-0 slog at El Massira, and the narrow 0-1 loss versus Mouloudia Oujda, where they left the game feeling like a rom-com protagonist who just missed the train to the grand gesture.

What we’re getting here is a classic clash of styles, like Pacino versus De Niro in Heat, circling each other all movie long. Boujaad have been a bit blunt up top—just 0.7 goals per game in three—so manager Abdelaziz looks set to double down on organization, a “let’s not be our own worst enemy” approach. Think Obi-Wan teaching Luke how not to get his hand chopped off: play smart, keep it tight, pick your moments. Their defensive line has been stout, but turning draws to wins is now life or death, especially against surging sides like Salmi.

Speaking of surging, keep your eye on Salmi’s midfield general—let’s call him the Moroccan Michael Fassbender, because when he’s cooking, he’s everywhere, finding pockets of space and threading passes like a seamstress on Red Bull. He’ll be up against Boujaad’s captain, who has all the grit of a Guy Ritchie protagonist: quiet, a little weathered, but smarter than he looks, popping up with crucial interceptions and the odd late run into the box.

Tactics-wise, this is going to be less “symphony in the park” and more “classic street brawl.” Salmi want to hit Boujaad with quick transitions, force turnovers, maybe squeeze out a set piece goal. Boujaad? They’re happy to ride out pressure, counter with direct balls, and trust their keeper to keep them in the game when things get nerve-wracking. Expect both teams to test the waters early, but as soon as the first crack appears—watch out. The last twenty minutes could devolve into beautiful chaos, the sort of spell where legends and scapegoats are born.

What’s at stake? It’s not just three points; it’s proof of concept. For Boujaad, it’s about halting the Salmi train and letting the league know they’re more than just “difficult to break down.” For Salmi, it’s legitimacy: a win cements their spot near the summit, and lays down a marker that the early season surprise package has real staying power. There are whispers of promotion, of course—but those only get louder if you keep winning games like this.

So, roll out the tea, call the neighbors, put your phone on do-not-disturb. This isn’t just another Botola 2 fixture. It’s two teams at a crossroads, with everything to play for and nothing taken for granted. My money—if you’re twisting my arm—is on a chess match with a dash of chaos, likely a 1-1 draw unless Salmi’s flair sneaks them a late one. Either way, expect drama. This is the kind of game that reminds you why you watch the second division: heart, grit, and maybe—just maybe—a highlight you’ll be texting your friends about on Sunday morning.