Mitrovic’s Double Powers Al-Hilal to 21st Win, Maintains League Lead

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s brace propelled Al-Hilal to a 3-1 victory over Al-Raed, reaffirming their dominance in the Roshn Saudi League and extending their commanding lead over local rivals Al-Nassr to seven points.

The win marked Al-Hilal’s staggering 21st consecutive triumph across all competitions, showcasing their relentless form in the league. Mitrovic, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the league’s goal-scoring charts, wasted no time as he netted his 18th goal just two minutes into the game. Exploiting Salem Al-Dawsari’s penetrating run down the left flank, Mitrovic capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball home from close range and christening the newly inaugurated Kingdom Arena in Riyadh as Al-Hilal’s fortress.

Salem Al-Dawsari’s incisive runs continued to unsettle Al-Raed’s defense, presenting opportunities for Mitrovic and his teammates to further assert their dominance. Despite Malcom’s near miss following Al-Dawsari’s setup, Al-Hilal remained undeterred. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was fouled in the box, granting Mitrovic the chance to convert from the penalty spot, notching his 19th goal of the season.

Al-Hilal’s defensive resilience stifled any hope of a comeback from Al-Raed, with Kalidou Koulibaly sealing the victory with a clinical header from Ruben Neves’ free-kick. Despite conceding a late consolation goal to Amir Sayoud, Al-Hilal’s dominance remained unshaken, fueling the fervor of their passionate supporters.

Looking ahead, Al-Hilal sets their sights on Champions League glory, with a crucial fixture against Sepahan of Iran looming. A mere two-goal cushion stands between Al-Hilal and a coveted spot in the quarter-finals, offering an opportunity to further cement their status as continental contenders.

As the dust settles on yet another impressive victory, Al-Hilal’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues unabated, setting the stage for a captivating climax to the season.