‘I want to score goals all the time,’ says Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic

Al-Hilal's on-form Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. (SPL)
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Updated 30 November 2023
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‘I want to score goals all the time,’ says Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic

  • The only player ahead of the Serbian striker in the Roshn Saudi League scoring charts is Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo
  • Mitrovic looking to maintain goal-scoring streak in the season’s first Riyadh derby on Friday

RIYADH: Al-Hilal’s deadly striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is out to bring down Al-Nassr in the Roshn Saudi League’s first Riyadh derby of the season on Friday. 

Mitrovic has scored 11 goals in 12 games since signing from Fulham in the summer — and was recently dubbed “merciless” by Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus.

Only Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is ahead of the Serbian striker in the Saudi top flight’s scoring tables, with 15 goals in 13 league games to date during this campaign.

Al-Hilal will go into Friday night’s derby at the King Fahd International Stadium four points ahead of their Riyadh rivals. However, “merciless Mitrovic” has vowed to keep on the goal-hunting trail. 

“I want to score goals all the time and I’ve been lucky to score a lot of goals so far,” he said. “Hopefully there are more to come. It’s my job to score goals. It’s what I do and what I love to do.

“Scoring a goal is something every striker dreams of and every striker wants that feeling, that adrenaline of scoring game by game,” Mitrovic added. “The more you score, the better you feel, and I have scored a lot — I could have scored more, though. It can always be better. There are still a lot of games to play, and big games, such as the derby, so hopefully that’ll include a lot of goals.”

The powerful No. 9 has netted 18 goals in 19 games for Al-Hilal across all competitions this season — the exact same tally as Al-Nassr rival Ronaldo. Mitrovic’s phenomenal scoring record includes two hat-tricks — his memorable Roshn Saudi League treble in the 4-3 triumph over Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad, and in the 6-0 win against Mumbai City in the AFC Champions League.

Each goal has been greeted with deafening chants of “Mitro’s on fire,” to the tune of Eurodance classic “Freed From Desire,” from the adoring Al-Hilal fans. Mitrovic is not only delighted that the Al-Hilal faithful have adopted the song from his time in England but is also overjoyed to hear it as often as possible.

“I didn’t expect that but it’s amazing, to be honest — every game it’s a full stadium and I score goals and you can hear a big roar,” he said. “Of course, I like the song. It’s something (I’ve had) since Newcastle and it’s something that every time I score the people sing, so it’s something I’ve gotten used to. I’m glad they’ve adopted this here and always glad to hear it.”

The Riyadh derby between current Roshn Saudi League leaders Al-Hilal and second-placed Al-Nassr kicks off at 9 p.m. Saudi time on Friday. The match at the 68,000-capacity King Fadh International Stadium is sold out, while millions will watch the game as it is broadcast across the globe.


World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds

Updated 03 December 2024
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World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds

  • Ethara’s Ali Al-Beshr and Tom Burwell of WSX spoke to Arab News about their partnership and the season finale on Wednesday

ABU DHABI: As part of Abu Dhabi GP Week, which wraps up the 2024 Formula 1 Championship, Yas Island on Wednesday night will also be the final World Supercross event of the 2024 championship.

Arab News spoke to two leading figures, from organizers Ethara and WSX, about the significance of hosting the World Supercross Abu Dhabi GP in the capital of the UAE.

Ali Al-Beshr

Executive director of Motorsport Development at Ethara

After the successful debut of WSX in Abu Dhabi last year, what is the significance of hosting the finale this year?

Hosting the WSX finale is a significant step forward for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Last year’s debut showcased our ability to deliver a high-energy, world-class event, and this year we’re taking it to the next level by hosting the championship’s concluding round. This elevates the UAE’s position as a global hub for motorsport, demonstrating not just our logistical and operational capabilities but also our commitment to bringing diverse motorsport disciplines to the region.

What can fans expect from this year’s WSX finale, and how is it different from last year’s event?

From the moment fans step into Etihad Arena, they’ll feel the excitement of a championship-deciding event. With activities like pit walks, where fans can see the bikes and teams up close, and meet-and-greet sessions with the riders, fans are given unique access to the stars of the sport.

The track design has also been reimagined to make the races even more competitive and thrilling. Being the finale, there’s an added intensity as riders compete for the WSX and SX2 titles. Combined with larger fan zones and entertainment offerings, this year’s event is going to be a step up from last year’s event.

How do you see WSX influencing the growth of motorsport culture in the UAE?

WSX is a game-changer for motorsport culture in the UAE. It introduces a fresh, dynamic element to our calendar and appeals to a younger, more diverse audience. The high-adrenaline nature of supercross, with its sharp turns, steep jumps, and competitive intensity, makes it a sport that draws people in instantly. By hosting WSX, we’re not only entertaining fans but also inspiring them, especially young people who may want to pursue motorsport as a passion or career. This event complements our existing motorsport offerings at Ethara, like Formula 1 and karting, and helps to broaden the UAE’s reputation as a leader in motorsport innovation and development.

How is the WSX finale aligned with your vision for long-term motorsport development in the UAE?

The WSX finale aligns seamlessly with our long-term goals for motorsport in the UAE. Our vision is to create a motorsport ecosystem that is diverse, inclusive, and globally recognized. By bringing a sport like supercross to Abu Dhabi, we’re expanding the range of motorsport disciplines available in the region, inspiring interest from fans and aspiring athletes. Beyond the spectacle, events like WSX foster grassroots engagement by introducing new audiences to the thrill of motorsport and creating pathways for future talent development. The UAE has always been a pioneer in hosting world-class events, and by integrating WSX into our portfolio, we’re reinforcing our position as a hub for innovation, excellence, and community-focused growth in motorsport.

Tom Burwell,

CEO of WSX

How does having the WSX season finale in Abu Dhabi align with your vision for the championship’s global expansion?

Abu Dhabi is the perfect host for the WSX finale because of its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events and its global connectivity. The city offers unmatched infrastructure, a welcoming environment, and a unique ability to bring together fans from across the globe. Partnering with Abu Dhabi helps achieve our vision of making WSX a truly international championship by introducing supercross to new audiences.

How is WSX working to grow supercross as a sport in regions like the Middle East, where it is still relatively new?

By creating exciting, accessible events that introduce the series to new fans. By hosting our finale in Abu Dhabi, we’re showcasing the sport at its highest level, inspiring local interest and encouraging growth in the region. We also work to engage with the community through rider interactions, fan activations, and collaborations with local stakeholders to foster grassroots enthusiasm for the sport.

Do you see WSX becoming a recurring event in Abu Dhabi, and are there plans to expand its presence elsewhere the Middle East?

Abu Dhabi has already proven to be an outstanding partner for WSX, through races in previous seasons thanks to our collaboration with Ethara, a highly esteemed organisation in the region with a proven track record of delivering world-class events like Formula 1. This strong, long-standing relationship gives us great confidence in Abu Dhabi’s ability to host exceptional supercross events year after year. Ethara’s expertise and reputation solidify Abu Dhabi as a cornerstone of our vision for WSX in the Middle East. While we’re eager to expand supercross across the region, Abu Dhabi will remain a central part of our journey as we grow the sport globally.


UFC Star Amir Albazi set to headline stacked card at ADXC 8 in Al-Ain

Updated 03 December 2024
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UFC Star Amir Albazi set to headline stacked card at ADXC 8 in Al-Ain

  • The event on Dec. 6 will feature several UAE fighters alongside global talent

AL-AIN: The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship is set for another night of jiu-jitsu and grappling action when ADXC 8 returns on Dec. 6 at the ADNEC Centre.

Coinciding with UAE National Day celebrations, the event boasts a stacked fight card which includes world-class grappling talent alongside Emirati jiu-jitsu stars.

Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight No. 3 Amir Albazi headlines, taking on Brazil’s Jafel Filho in a highly anticipated main event. Known for his razor-sharp grappling and cage IQ, Albazi returns to his roots for a showdown that pits his precision against Filho’s explosive submission game.

The co-main event brings grappling fans a heavyweight clash between Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu and rising star Haisam Rida. With a legacy built on multiple championship titles, Cyborg remains one of the sport’s greats. Rida, known for his unpredictable, high-energy approach, aims to prove the next generation is here to take over.

Highlighting the UAE’s growing dominance in jiu-jitsu, Khaled Al-Shehhi faces off against bantamweight specialist Thalison Soares, while Shamma Al-Kalbani, a trailblazer for Emirati women, meets China’s Peiqin Ge in a bantamweight clash. Omar Al-Fadhli, one of the UAE’s brightest talents, will take on Chile’s Nicolas Ponce in a lightweight battle.

Additional matchups on the card include a lightweight contest between grappling stars Movlid Khaybulaev and James Gallagher, a clash of styles in the welterweight division featuring Ahmad Al-Bousari and Craig McIntosh, and a regional showdown in the bantamweight division with Abdulmalik Al-Murdhi taking on Abdullah Al-Farsi.


Saudi Pro League to embrace OptaAI to enhance statistical analysis

Updated 03 December 2024
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Saudi Pro League to embrace OptaAI to enhance statistical analysis

  • Every top-flight Saudi club, plus the league’s own media teams, will utilize new tools and performance insights from Stats Perform to enhance on-field analysis

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has expanded its agreement with Stats Perform to ensure every top-flight Saudi football club, as well as the league’s own media and digital teams, benefit from new tools and performance insights.

The extended deal includes OptaAI-powered Opta Vision, Stats Perform’s richest performance data, captured from every Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup and Super Cup fixture played throughout the season.

The data will be available to each club’s performance analysis department, enhancing on-field analysis and further deepening fan and sponsor engagement.

Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel said: “The Saudi Pro League has established itself as a leading force in football across Asia, recognized as the top AFC domestic competition.

“Aided by strategic partnerships, including our collaboration with Stats Perform, we harness innovative data solutions like live Opta feeds and artificial intelligence-powered Opta Vision data to enhance club performance analysis and scouting. This commitment to excellence drives our clubs’ competitive edge and enriches fans, ensuring the SPL continues to set new standards with its partners in delivering unforgettable football experiences to a global audience.”

Opta Vision combines complete player tracking, on-ball event and aggregated fitness data alongside multiple AI-enriched predictive metrics, enabling analysts to quickly identify new and pioneering performance traits at a player and team level.

Data from dozens of overseas competitions will also be made available to recruitment analysts working for Saudi Pro League clubs to improve their data profiling when scouting players. Each SPL club will also have access to their own internal Opta Pro Hub software where they can manage all scouting activity, including player reports and recruitment shortlists.

Fan engagement will be boosted with Opta feeds offering a wider range of experiences, both pre-match and in-game. These include the stats hub on the official Saudi Pro League website and app, the official RSL Fantasy game and the syndicated world broadcast feed.

Live Opta data feeds will also be available to the Saudi Arabia Football Federation, official league partners and media departments at every Saudi Pro League club.

Stats Perform’s chief revenue officer, Steve Xeller, said: “We are delighted that the Saudi Pro League are the latest to expand their use of our services to include OptaAI-powered solutions. Our people, including our dedicated team in the region, will continue to work tirelessly to help ensure the SPL and its clubs continue to go from strength-to-strength, on the field and off it, for the benefit of their growing audience of millions of global fans.”


Jaylen Brown sparks Celtics to 108-89 rout of Heat

Updated 03 December 2024
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Jaylen Brown sparks Celtics to 108-89 rout of Heat

  • The 28-year-old shooting guard finished with seven rebounds and four assists as Boston improved to 17-4 to remain second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers
  • Timberwolves blew past an anemic Los Angeles Lakers offensive performance to romp to a 109-80 victory

NEW YORK: Jaylen Brown rattled in 29 points as the Boston Celtics got back to winning ways with a 108-89 rout of the Miami Heat on Monday.

Brown, who missed Boston’s 115-111 home defeat to Cleveland on Sunday due to illness, spearheaded a potent Celtics offensive effort against a depleted Miami lineup at TD Garden.

The 28-year-old shooting guard finished with seven rebounds and four assists as Boston improved to 17-4 to remain second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers.

Payton Pritchard once again caught the eye with a sharpshooting performance off the bench, knocking down five three-pointers from 12 attempts to finish with 25 points.

Derrick White, who also missed Sunday’s defeat to Cleveland, also impressed for the NBA champions with 19 points including five three-pointers.

Jayson Tatum added 18 points as Boston kept the scoreboard ticking over, establishing a hefty double-digit lead midway through the third quarter before cruising to victory.

The Celtics’ prowess from outside the arc was decisive, with Boston making 19-of-55 attempts from three-point range, in sharp contrast to Miami, who finished with only 8-of-35.

Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. led Miami’s scorers with 19 points apiece.

In Minneapolis, the Timberwolves blew past an anemic Los Angeles Lakers offensive performance to romp to a 109-80 victory.

The Lakers led fleetingly in the first quarter but were never in the contest thereafter, making just 32-of-79 attempts from the court and converting just six three-pointers from 31 attempts throughout.

Julius Randle led Minnesota with 18 points while Rudy Gobert finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Point guard D’Angelo Russell topped the Lakers scorers with 20 points while Anthony Davis added 12 points. LeBron James finished with just 10 points from 4-of-16 shooting.

In Atlanta, De’Andre Hunter bagged 22 points while Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels added 19 points each to give the Hawks a comfortable 124-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Atlanta’s fourth straight victory helped them improve to 11-11 for the season.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, remain bottom of the Western Conference after stumbling to their ninth consecutive defeat.

In Chicago, the Bulls powered to a 128-102 drubbing of the Brooklyn Nets thanks to 21 points from Nikola Vucevic and a triple double from Australian star Josh Giddey, who posted 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.


NBA: Timberwolves blow out Lakers 109-80 behind Randle, Gobert and tough defense

Updated 03 December 2024
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NBA: Timberwolves blow out Lakers 109-80 behind Randle, Gobert and tough defense

  • Julius Randle scored 18 points and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS: Julius Randle scored 18 points and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers 109-80 on Monday night.
Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored 15 for the Wolves (10-10), who limited the Lakers to their lowest point total since a 122-73 loss at Dallas in 2017, according to Sportradar.
Anthony Edwards had only eight points on 3-for-13 shooting for the Wolves, but his Olympic teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis were just as quiet for the Lakers (12-9).
James, who has missed 19 straight 3-pointers, had 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Davis had 12 points and 11 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell scored 20 in his return from illness and to the starting lineup.
After beating Utah 105-104 on Sunday, the Lakers traveled another time zone east to face a team they beat 110-103 in the season opener behind 36 points and 16 rebounds from Davis.
Takeaways
Lakers: Rookie coach J.J. Redick assessed his team at the quarter mark of the season “uneven and inconsistent.” The Lakers’ fifth loss in their last seven games didn’t even clear that bar.
Timberwolves: With the defense locked in, Minnesota’s other priorities are reviving its transition game and 3-point shooting. Both boxes were checked. The Timberwolves went 15 for 35 from deep and had 20 fast-break points.
Key moment
Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was plenty disruptive against Davis and the Lakers. Gobert stole an inbounds pass from Max Christie for a rare fast-break dunk late in the third.
Key stat
The Wolves held their opponent under 100 points for the second straight game and fourth this season. In 2023-24, when they led the league in scoring defense, they held opponents to double digits 23 times.
Up next
The Lakers play at the Miami Heat on Wednesday, when the Wolves visit the Los Angeles Clippers.