Aleksandar Mitrovic: Al Hilal's thrilling derby win vindicates move to Saudi Pro League

Aleksandar Mitrovic says Al Hilal’s remarkable comeback victory in the Saudi “Clasico” showcased why he chose to move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Serbian international, signed last month from Premier League side Fulham on a three-year contract, struck a hat-trick in the thrilling 4-3 win at champions Al Ittihad in Jeddah on Friday night.

Hilal, like Ittihad unbeaten through their opening four league matches, had gone into half-time 3-1 down at the Prince Abdullah bin Faisal Stadium. However, the visitors rallied to score three goals in 11 second-half minutes and completely turn around the encounter.

The triumph meant Hilal, who began Matchday 5 in third, jumped above Ittihad to the top of the table, with Mitrovic rightfully named player of the match.

The former Newcastle United striker, 28, has settled well since joining Hilal, scoring on debut to sit on four goals and an assist from his first three matches for the Riyadh club.

Asked if the “Clasico”, played in front of a fervent sold-out crowd in Jeddah, proved he was correct in deciding to continue his career in the kingdom, Mitrovic said: “Crazy, to be honest. I didn’t follow a lot about this league until my name was mentioned with Al Hilal.

"This is the night, the game, that you love to see. I never experienced this in any other league, the atmosphere for both teams. Our supporters as well, from beginning of the game.

"It was an amazing game and this for sure was one of the reasons I moved here. The reception I get from the fans, from my teammates is amazing.

“Three games so far, three wins. Still the beginning of the season, but we play good football, we create a lot of chances, and we play football that everybody wants to see.”

Mitrovic netted Hilal’s first three