Wydad AC vs Raja Casablanca Match Recap - Oct 29, 2025

The derby match between Wydad AC and Raja Casablanca, held on October 29, 2025, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, ended in an intense 0-0 stalemate. In a game that brought together two heavyweights of Moroccan football, the stakes were high, and the tension palpable as both teams sought to assert their dominance in the Botola Pro standings.

As the match unfolded, every moment seemed to carry a weight of expectation. Prior to kickoff, I had predicted a tightly contested affair, and the result proved my instincts somewhat correct. While I anticipated goals and a show of attacking flair, the reality was a fierce defensive battle that left both sides grappling for control without finding the back of the net.

Wydad AC, sitting in third place with 10 points after four matches, came off strong performances in their previous outings, including a resounding 5-1 victory against Asante Kotoko just days before. Confidence flowed through their ranks, and players like Thembinkosi Lorch, who had been instrumental in their recent successes, were expected to shine. However, the team struggled to penetrate a well-organized Raja Casablanca defense, unable to convert their chances into goals despite multiple attempts.

On the other side, Raja Casablanca entered the derby sitting in second place with 11 points, boasting an unbeaten record this season. Their last match was a hard-fought 1-0 win against Olympique Dcheïra, where they demonstrated their knack for grinding out results. The team's defensive solidity was on full display against Wydad, denying their rivals any clear shots on target throughout the match, a testament to their tactical discipline.

Key moments in the match came not from spectacular plays but from a series of near-misses and strong defensive stands. Both teams pressed hard in the midfield, creating a series of turnovers but also stifling any fluidity in attack. Wydad's best chance came in the second half when a header from close range narrowly missed the target, sending a ripple of frustration through their supporters. Similarly, Raja's efforts to counter were thwarted by the resolute Wydad backline, resulting in a game that was tense but lacking the moments of brilliance that are often expected in such high-stakes derbies.

The end of the match left Wydad AC at 10 points, maintaining their third-place position, while Raja Casablanca held on to second with 12 points. While the draw may feel like a missed opportunity for Wydad, who had the home advantage and a string of recent victories, it maintains their unbeaten start. For Raja, the point is valuable as they continue their pursuit of league leadership, remaining steady and unyielding.

Looking ahead, Wydad AC will face Ittihad Tanger on November 1, and they will need to channel their frustration from this match into a more decisive performance to reclaim their winning momentum. Meanwhile, Raja Casablanca will look to carry their defensive fortitude into their next fixture as they aim to build on their strong start to the season.

As the final whistle blew, the players exchanged weary glances, knowing that the rivalry had once again delivered an enthralling chapter, albeit without the goals that fans craved. The essence of this derby, rich in history and emotion, reminds everyone involved that in football, sometimes the most gripping battles occur not in the scoreboard, but in the hearts of those who live for the game.