Bergwijn Hat-Trick Helps Al-Ittihad Survive Al-Hazem Test

Al-Ittihad showed plenty of character to secure a 3-2 victory over Al-Hazem on Monday, with Steven Bergwijn scoring a hat-trick to maintain the club’s positive momentum in the Saudi Pro League.

The result came after Al-Ittihad had already impressed with a 1-0 away victory over Al-Qadsiah despite playing the second half with 10 men. That win had helped ease concerns following their 1-1 draw against Al-Kholood in their opening league match.

Playing before an energized home crowd, Al-Ittihad began strongly and repeatedly found space around Al-Hazem’s center-backs. Marwan Al-Sahafi and Youssef En-Nesyri were frequently targeted with through balls, although En-Nesyri had one effort ruled out for offside and missed another opportunity.

Despite their early control, Al-Ittihad fell behind in the 18th minute. Afimico Pululu received the ball on the flank after Al-Hazem won possession and drew Danilo Pereira out of position before sending a low cross into the area. Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe finished from close range.

Al-Ittihad responded patiently and eventually turned the game around before halftime. Houssem Aouar found Bergwijn in the 34th minute, and the Dutch forward produced a powerful finish to make it 1-1.

Seven minutes later, Al-Sahafi was brought down inside the area after being played through on goal. Bergwijn took responsibility from the penalty spot and converted to put the hosts ahead.

Al-Hazem returned from the interval with greater intensity. A goal was ruled out for offside in the 49th minute before Sofiane Bendebka headed home an equalizer in the 60th minute after beating Jan-Carlo Simic to a cross.

Al-Ittihad introduced George Ilenikhena and Saudi international Saleh Al-Shehri as they searched for another breakthrough. Their winning goal arrived in the 81st minute after a handball by Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel during an aerial challenge. Following a VAR review, Al-Ittihad were awarded their second penalty of the match.

Bergwijn stepped forward again and completed his hat-trick with a powerful strike, securing all three points for the home side.

Elsewhere, Al-Qadsiah recovered from their defeat against Al-Ittihad by beating Neom 2-0. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a long-range effort after Gaston Alvarez created the opportunity.

Mateo Retegui doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after the ball struck Neom midfielder Abdulmalik Al-Oyayri’s arm.

Neom coach Christophe Galtier had left Alexandre Lacazette on the bench despite his two goals in the previous match. The French striker entered in the 61st minute but could not change the outcome.

The league schedule continues Tuesday with several fixtures, including Al-Ettifaq against Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab against Al-Riyadh.