Al Hilal strengthened their grip on top spot in the Saudi Pro League after two late goals saw them swat away upstarts Al Taawoun 2-0 in Riyadh on Friday night.
Taawoun were fancied to push Hilal all the way after a strong start to the season had visitors up in third place going into the weekend’s fixtures.
And for the most part, that’s how it played out. However, in Aleksandar Mitrovic, Hilal have a striker at the very peak of his powers and his crucial breakthrough, on 81 minutes, set them on course for a big victory in the unfolding Saudi title race.
With the game looking like ending in stalemate, Malcom swung in a dangerous free-kick from the left and Mitrovic stooped to head home his 10th league goal for the club - his 17th in all competitions - and make it 1-0.