Algiers – Thursday, April 3, 2025
CR Belouizdad, second in the Ligue 1 Mobilis standings with 34 points, has a golden opportunity to temporarily narrow the gap with leaders MC Alger (41 points) when they host relegation-threatened NC Magra (15th, 18 points) in Matchday 21, scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, US Biskra and ES Mostaganem face off in a crucial six-point battle for survival.
CR Belouizdad, fresh off a 1-0 Algerian Cup semifinal qualification against MC Béjaïa, are favorites to secure three points at home, despite playing behind closed doors due to a disciplinary sanction. However, they face a tricky challenge from Magra, winless in six matches across all competitions, who will fight to kickstart their survival bid. A victory would cut Belouizdad’s deficit to four points, with MC Alger’s match against Olympique Akbou postponed.
Elsewhere, JS Kabylie (3rd, 33 points, tied with USM Alger) travel east to face USM Khenchela (11th, 24 points) in a tough test. Khenchela, in the relegation zone, need a win to climb away from danger, while Kabylie, unbeaten in four rounds, aim to solidify their podium spot.
Paradou AC (5th, 29 points) head to Oran to challenge MC Oran (12th, 21 points), a team desperate for points to escape the drop zone, just three points from safety. Paradou, on a two-game win streak, seek a third consecutive victory to stay near the top, led by league top-scorer Adil Boulbina (15 goals).
MC El Bayadh (9th, 26 points), unbeaten in ten matches and buoyed by a 1-0 Cup win over ES Sétif, host JS Saoura (6th, 28 points), who struggle away, earning only 4 of 30 possible points on the road.
In a relegation scrap, bottom-placed US Biskra (16th, 17 points) face ES Mostaganem (14th, 20 points). A win could provide either side with a vital morale boost in their survival fight.
Three matches—ES Sétif vs. CS Constantine, USM Alger vs. ASO Chlef, and Olympique Akbou vs. MC Alger—are postponed due to the African club competition quarterfinals involving MC Alger, USM Alger, and CR Belouizdad.
