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- Serbian’s ‘unbelievable’ treble helps Al-Hilal to 7-0 win over Abha and extends lead at the top of the Roshn Saudi League
RIYADH: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic netted the first hat-trick of his career as his “perfect” treble of left-foot, right-foot and headed goals helped Al-Hilal beat Abha 7-0 in the Roshn Saudi League.
The 28-year-old Serbian side-footed league leaders Al-Hilal ahead after 18 minutes with his left foot, did similar with his right in the second half for 4-0, before completing the scoring with a downward header in injury time.
Milinkovic-Savic said: “It’s the first hat-trick in my career! For me, it’s something unbelievable and, Inshallah, there will be many more hat-tricks. Three goals and a huge win, it was the perfect day.”
Al-Hilal’s other goals in the home win at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Thursday night came from an Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty, Salem Al-Dawsari, Mohamed Kanno and an outstanding angled free kick from Ruben Neves.
The victory extends their lead at the top of the table to 13 points, although second-placed Al-Nassr have two games in hand. Al-Hilal, who remain unbeaten this season, play their final game before the Roshn Saudi League breaks until February against Al-Fayha next Friday.
Milinkovic-Savic, a summer signing from Lazio, added: “We always speak about winning and keeping clean sheets. We have one more game (before the break) and we hope to finish well for the first part of the season. On Friday, we played attacking football and made a lot of chances to score goals. Maybe some games we only win 1-0 or 2-0 but the coach wants attacking football, and we try to do what he wants for us.”
Commenting on the victory, Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus said: “We congratulated him on the first hat-trick in his career. Any coach would like to have a player like Milinkovic-Savic. He can play various positions — if you want him as a second striker or if you want him back as an advanced midfielder. He’s a very good and intelligent player, with great technical aspects. He’s very good in the collective aspects of the team as well. We’re happy for him that he scored his hat-trick.”