Un triplé de Bergwijn permet à Al-Ittihad de battre Al-Hazem

Al-Ittihad opened their Saudi Pro League campaign with a commanding home victory over visiting Al-Hazem, though not before the away side provided genuine resistance on a tightly contested afternoon. The home side's dominance was built on the clinical finishing of Sergiño Bergwijn, who would prove the difference between the teams across 90 minutes of competitive football.

Al-Hazem struck first when Abdulelah Al-Dwehe fired past Al-Ittihad's defence in the 18th minute, but the lead lasted only until Bergwijn drew level in the 34th. The Dutch winger then converted a penalty on 41 minutes to hand Al-Ittihad a 2-1 half-time advantage. Al-Hazem refused to fold, though, and pulled level through Salim Bendebka's strike in the 59th minute. A second penalty, awarded and converted by Bergwijn in the 81st minute, ultimately settled the contest and confirmed Al-Ittihad's 3-2 victory.

The match shifted decisively in Al-Ittihad's favour after the break. Having trailed 1-0 early on, the home side's greater attacking threat began to tell as Al-Hazem tired, and the away defence found themselves increasingly exposed. When that second penalty was awarded in the closing stages, Al-Hazem's hopes effectively ended, though they had battled hard to stay in the contest throughout.

Both teams played with intensity and commitment across the pitch. Al-Ittihad controlled possession for large stretches and created the better chances overall, while Al-Hazem's attacking contributions came mainly through brief periods of pressure and clinical counter-attacking moments. The visitors' willingness to push forward meant they stayed competitive, but ultimately lacked the sustained pressure to claim anything from the encounter.

Discipline remained largely intact on both sides, though the referee issued six yellow cards across the match. Al-Hazem's backline drew three cautions, including one to Mohamed Ben Hmida in the first half, which signalled their defensive struggles. Al-Ittihad's midfield and defence received attention in the second half as the intensity increased, but no dismissals altered the flow of play significantly.

The result sends Al-Ittihad into their next fixture with momentum and confidence restored through Bergwijn's clinical finishing. Al-Hazem, despite the defeat, showed enough attacking intent to suggest they can compete in this division, though they will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities in future matches if they are to challenge for honours.