Latest news with #SergejMilinković-Savić
Saudi Gazette
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Milinković-Savić says Al Hilal proved critics wrong after historic win over Man City
Saudi Gazette report ORLANDO — Al Hilal's Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić hailed his team's stunning 4-3 victory over Manchester City as a 'statement to the world,' declaring that the Saudi Pro League's quality is undeniable and that the club has written a new chapter in football history. Speaking after the match in Orlando, which sent Al Hilal into the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, Savic said: 'We've made history tonight. It was a massive game and a huge result. For anyone who doubts our league, we've shown on the pitch that the Saudi league is strong — we proved it to the world.' The 29-year-old, who joined Al Hilal in summer of 2023 amid some skepticism over his move to the Roshn Saudi League, emphasized that the win was not only about individual talent but collective spirit. 'We were missing several key players, which is never ideal,' he admitted. 'But our squad is deep and full of quality. Everyone who stepped onto the pitch played at a high level and helped us overcome one of the best teams in the world.' He also shared insight into the team's mindset: 'Now it's all about recovery for the next match. It's not just about celebrations. City is a team that creates constant attacking pressure, but we stayed compact, defended with heart, and stuck together as a unit. At halftime, the coach encouraged us to keep going because we were doing well.'Savic pointedly addressed earlier criticism surrounding his move to Saudi Arabia: 'A lot of people had things to say when I joined the league. What happened tonight, and our performances against Real Madrid and Salzburg, is the best answer to those critics.'Looking ahead, Savic acknowledged the challenge posed by Brazilian side Fluminense, who eliminated Champions League finalists Inter Milan in their previous match: 'Any team that knocks out Inter is a serious opponent. We respect them, but we'll be fully prepared.'He concluded: 'The key in these games is to believe. That's what we did tonight we believed, and that belief carried us through.'
Saudi Gazette
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Milinković-Savić stunner rescues Al Hilal from late defeat at Al Wehda
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — A stoppage-time strike from Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić salvaged a 1-1 draw for Al Hilal against Al Wehda on Wednesday, denying the Riyadh giants their first defeat under interim coach Mohammed Al Shalhoub. With the league title already clinched by Al Ittihad, Al Hilal's focus has shifted to securing a top-two finish and a place in next season's AFC Champions League Elite. The result takes Hilal to 72 points, maintaining a four-point cushion over third-placed Al Qadsiah heading into the final round. Al Wehda had taken the lead just six minutes after the restart through Abdulaziz Noor, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to give the Makkah side a surprise advantage. But just as the home fans were beginning to celebrate, Milinković-Savić produced a thunderous finish in the second minute of added time to level the score and preserve Al Hilal's unbeaten record under their legendary former captain, who stepped in following Jorge Jesus' departure. Al Wehda, meanwhile, edged slightly further from the relegation zone, now sitting three points above the drop line with one match left to play.
