Saudi Pro League: Aleksandar Mitrovic inspires Al Hilal to victory over Al Taawoun

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.

The clincher came deep into injury-time as Hilal’s Saudi Arabia international midfielder Mohammed Kanno curled in an unstoppable free-kick.

The hosts had certainly not had it all their own way and were indebted to goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as his superb reflex save had earlier prevented an own goal by centre-back Hassan Tambakti.

⚽️ vs. Al Taawoun
⚽️ vs. Al Fateh
⚽️ vs. Al Ahli
⚽️ vs. Al Khaleej

Aleksandar Mitrovic scores in his 4th consecutive RSL game