Al-Hilal FC striker Aleksandar Mitrovic hailed the Riyadh Derby as the “best derby” he’s played in his career, following his side’s 3-0 Roshn Saudi League defeat of cross-city rivals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, in a match dubbed as ‘Al-Classico’.
The Serbian striker scored two late goals to add to his league-leading tally (13 goals in 13 games), in a fantastic atmosphere at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh that put an end to Al-Nassr’s 21-game unbeaten run.
The highly anticipated top of the table clash between Riyadh’s two giants did not disappoint with a sold-out 50,000 fans creating a carnival atmosphere in the stadium before, during and after the match
“To be honest, I don’t think I ever played in a better derby,” said Mitrovic after the game. “It was amazing, really amazing. I have played derbies in many countries but if this is not the best, for sure it’s at the top, top of the list.”
It’s quite a glowing reference for status of the Saudi league considering the striker has previously played for Partizan Belgrade, Anderlecht, Fulham and Newcastle United.
With the match scheduled for maximum global exposure and broadcast to millions around the world, Al-Hilal manager’s Jorge Jesus described the victory over Al-Nassr as “a great showcase for Saudi Arabian football”