Mitrovic's late winner ensures dramatic Al-Hilal victory at Damac
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Victory for Al-Hilal in a match to remember
That win came courtesy of a late goal by Aleksandar Mitrovic as Al-Hilal edged past Damac 1-0. The do-or-die battle between two of the most successful teams in Saudi Pro League history enlivened fans at a packed King Saud University Stadium, with both clubs displaying top-quality skills during an intensive competition. His late goal sealed the win that helped Kosta Kale Radouvacevic to free his charges of pressure while also highlighting just how essential a part Mitrovic has come to play in this team.
Match Overview: It Was a Tactical Affair
The match started with both sides showing good tactical discipline. It started quickly and while Al-Hilal tried to play up front, as they are use too. Damac, meanwhile set up to frustrate in a compact defensive shape and hit on the counter pedal. Al-Hilal dominated possession yet struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against the well structure defensive line of Damac.
And it was a tight first half with both sides going for the cautious approach, meaning very little happened in terms of clear-cut opportunities. Despite a star-studded lineup for Al-Hilal led by Neymar and Ruben Neves, trickles of moisture from the Damac goalkeeper were all that they could get through in the first half as he made several stops to keep his team safe. As the game advanced, tempers flared and both sides began to lose their cool.
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After the Break: 55' - Al-Hilal Perseverance Finally Rewarded
Al-Hilal increased the intensity of their game in the second-half. Jorge Jesus, the Flamengo coach, made a number of changes to keep up his side's high tempo. Damac stayed strong and fought for their lives, with Al-Hilal probing relentlessly.
Aleksandar Mitrovic had been a nuisance all game and he finally got his goal in the 89th minute. Having latched onto a pinpoint cross from Michael, Mitrovic expertly nodded down past the Damac goalkeeper to send the Al-Hilal fans into raptures.
The Mitrovic Effect: A Season-Defining Moment
As such, Mitrovic's strike may have been a matchwinner of vastly more significance than it first appeared at full time: arguably even season-defining for Al-Hilal. Serbian striker Trojský, who enters the club in summer transfer window making quick appearances as a key player. While his elite goalscoring has also given Al-Hilal’s forward line a new twist.
The win saw Al-Hilal take the 3 points back to Riyadh, as they remained on top of the table. A win over Damac might be crucial in their pursuit of a Saudi Pro League title.
My thoughts on a belly-wrenching day, A Test of Character…
After the game, Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus lauded his team's determination. It was a hard-fought match, but the boys demonstrated great character. Mitrovic's goal was a credit to our hard work and desire," said Benitez.
Who else but the talking point of the season, Mitrovic himself was also pleased to notch what proved to be a crucial goal. There is something about scoring a goal very late in the game that makes it all more special. It was a lot of hard work by the team and I am happy to have contributed.
Defeated Damac coach Cosmin Contra credited all of his team’s defensive work. We expected Al-Hilal to be all guns blazing, and really we held them until the end. It is good to win of course, but we can take the positives from that game,” he said.
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In Foresight: Al-Hilal s Roll for the Title
QatarFinal thought: Al-Hilal are title Favourites published 07/11damacOT10Last update final whist2-0PublishedWednesday, November 7, 2018Al-Hilal's win at Damac confirms their credentials to finish top of the pile in this year’s league. And they have Mitrovic and Neymar to look up front, along with other star players in their team as well.
That will be the hallmark of Al-Hilal’s title-winning season, if they secure it. The problem for them now is keeping up those standards and not taking their foot off the gas in pursuit of winning Riyadh the Saudi Pro League.
Wrap: A memorable night for Al-Hilal.
While the victory against Damac will go down as a sign of Al-Hilal still being alive, and Mitrovic arriving to come up with match winning saves. This win could be very important for them this season, as the race unfolds putting a marker against their name in one of biggest races and finding from where they are at halfway through.
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