Dramatic Riyadh Derby Victory for Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was the hero of the hour as Al-Hilal edged past Al-Shabab in a thrilling Riyadh Derby. Coming from behind to win 2-1, Al-Hilal now sits just two points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad. This intense encounter saw both teams reduced to ten men, but the Serbian midfielder’s two goals sealed a much-needed victory for the champions.
Early Setback for Al-Hilal
The match began dramatically when Al-Shabab’s Abderrazak Hamdallah found the back of the net in the sixth minute. Daniel Podence initiated the move, delivering a precise cross that bypassed three defenders. Hamdallah seized the opportunity, slotting the ball past Yassine Bounou for his fifth goal of the season. Al-Hilal, shaken but not deterred, quickly regrouped.
Milinkovic-Savic Levels the Score
Just eight minutes later, Al-Hilal’s Joao Cancelo delivered a delicate cross from the right flank. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic timed his run perfectly, nodding the ball home from close range to level the score at 1-1. This equalizer reignited Al-Hilal’s fighting spirit and set the tone for an electrifying game.
Controversy and Cards Galore
The first half wasn’t without controversy. Hamdallah thought he had restored Al-Shabab’s lead just after the half-hour mark, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Moments before halftime, Kalidou Koulibaly, Al-Hilal’s former Chelsea defender, received a straight red card for a foul on Hamdallah as he raced toward goal. This dismissal left Al-Hilal with ten men and a challenging second half ahead.
However, Al-Shabab’s numerical advantage was short-lived. Early in the second half, Nader Al-Sharari was shown a second yellow card, reducing Al-Shabab to ten men as well. The stage was set for an even battle.
Milinkovic-Savic’s Stunning Free-Kick Seals the Win
The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute. Awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area, Milinkovic-Savic stepped up with confidence. He curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Al-Shabab’s goalkeeper with no chance. This spectacular strike secured the 2-1 victory and reaffirmed Milinkovic-Savic’s importance to Al-Hilal.
Al-Hilal’s Resilience and Next Steps
After their shocking 3-2 loss to Al-Khaleej a week earlier, Al-Hilal’s ability to hold onto this lead showcased their resilience. With 31 points from 12 games, they remain in the hunt for the Saudi Pro League title. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad’s 4-0 win over Ettifaq on the same day keeps the competition fierce.
Key Takeaways from the Riyadh Derby
- Milinkovic-Savic’s Impact: The Serbian midfielder’s two goals underlined his pivotal role in Al-Hilal’s lineup.
- Discipline Challenges: Both teams’ red cards highlight the intensity and high stakes of the Riyadh Derby.
- League Standings: Al-Hilal’s victory keeps them within touching distance of leaders Al-Ittihad, promising an exciting season ahead.
Conclusion
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s heroics have given Al-Hilal a significant boost in their pursuit of Saudi Pro League glory. This hard-fought victory over Al-Shabab not only ends a difficult week on a high note but also reinforces their status as title contenders. Fans will eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling season.