Al Hilal Edges Past Damac FC in a Thrilling 3-2 Victory: Mitrovic Shines with a Brace

The Saudi Pro League produced a pulsating encounter on 28th August 2024, as Al Hilal managed to pip Damac FC at the King Fahd International Stadium with a tight 3-2 victory. In every direction, it was a see-saw game. Two out of Al Hilal’s three goals came from the star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, including the winner, as Damac FC gave a hard chase to fall at the final hurdle in an encounter that had shown that football could be a lottery.

First Half: Early Impact from Mitrovic
The first half was all about Al Hilal, who commanded the lion’s share of possession. Right from the opening minutes, the hosts showed their attacking intentions when their midfielders orchestrated plays and created opportunities. Defensively solid, Damac FC frustrated Al Hilal attackers despite being dominated.

However, Al Hilal’s persistence finally paid off in the dying embers of the first half. In the 45th minute plus additional time, the deadlock was broken by Aleksandar Mitrovic. Pouncing instinctively, the Serbian forward nodded past Damac FC’s goalkeeper after a well-delivered cross. This gave Al Hilal a much-needed boost as they went to the break leading narrowly 1-0.

Second Half: Flurry of Goals and Drama
The second half started with Damac FC being a lot more aggressive and determined, eventually capitalizing on that mere four minutes into the second half as the visiting side’s French forward François Kamano equalized in the 49th minute. Receiving an accurate pass from Romain Saïss, Kamano slotted into the bottom corner as the goalkeeper of Al Hilal was left with no chance.

However, Damac FC’s joy was doubled in the 53rd minute as Hamadi Diallo turned the game around. The quiet Diallo throughout the first half found the back of the net with a powerful header from a corner kick to give the lead to Damac FC surprisingly 2-1. The visitors, confident now, were looking at holding onto their advantage against the rattled Al Hilal side.

But Al Hilal responded again in quick fashion, young midfielder Musab Aljuwayr levelling things for the home team with a stunning strike in the 73rd minute. Aljuwayr’s goal came from a move of real teamwork, his cool finish indicative of a maturity and importance to this squad that is growing by the day.

Mitrovic Seals the Win for Al Hilal
All square at 2-2 and entering the finishing moments, Al Hilal surged forward for a winner. Their search paid dividends in the 84th minute as Mitrovic scored his second of the match. Again, striker instincts presented themselves with latching onto an unattended loose ball inside the box and firing it home to put Al Hilal in front at 3-2. Mitrovic wheeled away in raptures as the crowd went into a frenzy, knowing that he most probably got all three points for his team.

To their credit, though, Damac FC never gave up and continued to press for the equalizer, but Al Hilal’s defense marshaled by Renan Lodi and Hassasn Tambakti was immune to all the pressure the visitors presented as they never allowed them to find the back of the net.

Tactical Breakdown: Al Hilal’s Dominance in Possession
This win by Al Hilal was anchored on their perceived ball possession, having 72% to Damac FC’s 28%. This win would give them the leeway to have their way on the pitch, especially in midfield, where Ruben Neves and Salem Al-Dawsari played prominent roles in maintaining park and opening up space.

However, Damac’s organized defense meant Al Hilal were toiling for the most part to break them down, having to rely on set-pieces and moments of individual brilliance-like Mitrovic’s goals in this game-for a breakthrough, while Damac FC were more direct with reliance on counter-attacks and set-pieces that almost reaped them a point.

Defensive Resilience and Tactical Discipline
Despite being two goals down, Al Hilal’s backline was solid and tactically disciplined, especially in the dying minutes of the match. Renan Lodi manned the back with leadership qualities that were instrumental in ensuring at the same time that Damac FC found it hard to create clear-cut chances after taking the lead.

The brave Damac FC defense buckled in the end to the relentlessly piling pressure of Al Hilal. Much of it was a visitor’s defense that was often out of place at vital times, including especially in the third goal of Al Hilal, in which Mitrovic was left free in dangerous areas.

Conclusion: Al Hilal’s Title Ambitions Remain Alive
A win against Damac FC was important for Al Hilal as they marched toward the Saudi Pro League title. The victory underlined a trait of eventual championship-winning teams: winning even when not at their best. Mitrovic’s form will be vital as the season goes on, and if he keeps up displays like this, Al Hilal will go into the end of the season as formidable contenders for the title.

Despite this defeat, there is something which Damac FC can take as positives from this match. On the night, the ability of this team to compete against one of the top league teams showed that they have every potential to cause many upsets and seal a strong finish in the league. However, for this, they will need to address the frailties at the back if they are to climb up the table.

The match is one of those that will help teams shape the final standings as the Saudi Pro League season progresses. A win for Al Hilal stands as proof of the resolute spirit of their good fight-a character that will help them in further battles.

To read more about the related article, click here