Al-Ittihad FC
Al-Ittihad FC 3-2 Al-Hazm: Pro League Drama Unfolds
Steven Bergwijn held his nerve with two penalties as Al-Ittihad FC clawed back from a goal down twice to edge Al-Hazm 3-2 in a Pro League thriller that had everything – early shocks, sloppy defending, and late heroics.
Al-Hazm Stun Hosts with Early Lead
The visitors ripped up the script after 18 minutes when Abdulaziz Al Dwehe punished static defending, slotting home from Afimico Pululu’s incisive pass. Jens Wissing’s men looked rattled, their 54% possession yielding nothing until Bergwijn’s moment of magic. The Dutch winger danced past two challenges before lashing a 25-yarder into the top corner on 34 minutes – a goal worthy of any stage.
Al-Ittihad’s Penalty Prowess
Just seven minutes later, Bergwijn was ice-cool from the spot after a clumsy foul by Amine Ben Hamida, who saw yellow. But if home fans thought the tide had turned, Sofiane Bendebka had other ideas. The Algerian midfielder ghosted in to meet Saud Al Rashid’s cross on 59 minutes, precisely placing his header beyond Rajković. Game on. Again.
The stats told the tale of Al-Ittihad’s dominance – 14 total shots to Al-Hazm’s 8, 11 attempts inside the box, and an xG of 3.49 screaming for a winner. It came from the spot again on 81 minutes, Bergwijn completing his brace after Abdourahmane Bah bundled over substitute Riad Kaabi.
What This Means for Both Sides
For Al-Ittihad, this gritty win proves they can grind when the flair isn’t flowing. Wissing’s halftime changes – introducing Keller and Al Julaydan – steadied a backline that looked shaky early on. Al-Hazm, meanwhile, will rue missed chances after twice leading away from home. Jalel Kadri’s men matched their hosts for 80 minutes but couldn’t contain Bergwijn’s relentless threat.
The result leaves both sides mid-table after three games, but the real story was Bergwijn emerging as Al-Ittihad’s clutch player. When the pressure was highest, the former Spurs man delivered twice from 12 yards to break Al-Hazm hearts.
Key Moments
18′ ⚽ Al-Hazm — A. Al Dwehe (assist: A. Pululu)
34′ ⚽ Al-Ittihad FC — S. Bergwijn (assist: H. Aouar)
41′ ⚽ Al-Ittihad FC — S. Bergwijn
59′ ⚽ Al-Hazm — S. Bendebka (assist: S. Al Rashid)
