Analysis The numbers behind the result
Bergwijn’s penalties mask Ittihad’s attacking dominance
Al-Ittihad FC's 3-2 victory was deserved, with their 3.49 xG dwarfing Al-Hazm's 0.83 – a reflection of their superior shot quality despite only edging possession (54%). Though Hazm took an early lead through Abdulaziz Al Dwehe (18'), Ittihad's pressure told: Steven Bergwijn levelled with a clinical strike (34') before converting a penalty (41') after Houssem Aouar's creative work. Despite Sofiane Bendebka's equaliser (59'), Bergwijn's second penalty (81') settled it.
Ittihad created higher-quality chances (11 shots inside the box vs Hazm's 6) and forced more saves (6 on target to 2). Their 87% pass accuracy (vs 83%) facilitated sustained pressure, though three yellow cards highlighted defensive raggedness. Bergwijn's hat-trick (two penalties) was decisive, but Ittihad's 3.49 xG – indicating they created enough to score nearly four goals – encapsulates their control.