Bergwijn shines as Al-Ittihad FC takes a thrilling classic

The star of the match

Steven Bergwijn took center stage at King Abdullah Sports City, where his three goals made him the hero of Al-Ittihad FC in the 3-2 victory over Al-Hazm. His stellar performance, which earned him a rating of 9.3, was not only crucial for the win but also highlighted his impact on the local team's attack.

Bergwijn opened the scoring in the 34th minute and then converted a penalty in the 41st and 81st minutes, showcasing a lethal ability that was key for his team to remain in the fight for promotion to the Gulf Club Champions League.

A match of highs and lows

The match started with Al-Hazm surprising everyone by taking the lead in the 18th minute thanks to a goal from Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe. However, Al-Ittihad FC's response was quick and decisive, reversing the score before halftime. Although Al-Hazm showed flashes of good play, their effectiveness was questionable, scoring two goals with an xG of only 0.8, highlighting their lack of precision in front of goal.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with Al-Ittihad dominating possession and creating more chances, but Al-Hazm did not give up, equalizing in the 59th minute with a goal from Sofiane Bendebka. Nevertheless, Bergwijn's quality made the difference at critical moments.

Impact on the standings

With this victory, Al-Ittihad FC climbs to seventh place in the table with 4 points, positioning themselves in the promotion zone for the Gulf Club Champions League. This win is vital for the team, which aims to establish itself among the league's best.

On the other hand, Al-Hazm, despite the defeat, remains in ninth place with 3 points, highlighting the need to improve their attacking efficiency if they want to aspire to more in the competition.