Al Ittihad FC vs Al Hazem
The Pro League delivered a high-octane encounter as Al Ittihad FC hosted Al Hazem in a match defined by tactical shifts and individual brilliance. Both sides pushed their limits from the opening whistle, creating a narrative of constant tension and competitive spirit.
Early Shock and Bergwijn's Response
On August 24, 2026, the home crowd was stunned early on when Al Hazem took the lead in the 18th minute. Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe finished clinically following a well-placed assist from Afimico Pululu. Al Ittihad FC responded with increased tempo, and their persistence paid off in the 34th minute. Houssem Aouar found Steven Bergwijn in space, and the forward made no mistake to level the score. The momentum swung further toward the hosts just before halftime when a penalty was awarded following a foul by Amine Ben Hamida. Steven Bergwijn stepped up in the 41st minute to convert from the spot, making it 2-1.
Second-Half Drama and Hat-trick Glory
The contest remained fierce after the break, with several players including Hasan Kadesh and Faris Abdi entering the referee's book. Al Hazem found a way back into the match in the 59th minute as Saud Al-Rashid set up Sofiane Bendebka for a composed equalizer. With the game tied at 2-2, both managers turned to their benches to find a winner. The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when Al Ittihad FC was awarded another penalty. Steven Bergwijn displayed nerves of steel to complete his hat-trick, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory and sending the fans into a frenzy as the referee blew the final whistle after nine minutes of stoppage time.
