Double Dutch delight as Bergwijn nets hat-trick and Reijnders bags first Saudi Pro League goal

RIYADH: On Friday, much of the talk in Saudi football was about the apparent return of Al-Ittihad’s fighting spirit.

A 1-0 away win against Al-Qadsiah, despite playing half the match with 10 men, was unexpected even among the Tigers fans. The victory rekindled their hopes after a 1-1 home draw in the opening game of the Saudi Pro League season, against Al-Kholood, had sparked fears of a repeat of their dreadful start to last season.

They were back in action on Monday night, in front of a reenergized home crowd, but although they claimed all three points with 3-2 victory over Al-Hazem, they had to fight tooth and nail for them.

Al-Ittihad started the match in complete control, exploiting gaps either side of the Al-Hazem center-backs to deliver precise through balls to Marwan Al-Sahafi and Youssef En-Nesyri. One of En-Nesyri’s attempts was ruled out for offside and he spurned another when onside.

Yet for all their dominance, the first goal did not come from the men in yellow and black. It took just a moment for Al-Ittihad’s shape to unravel. Al-Hazem’s midfield pounced on a clearance and striker Afimico Pululu received the ball on the flank, drawing Danilo Pereira out of position before delivering a low cross for Abdulaziz Al-Dwehe to tap home in the 18th minute.

Al-Ittihad were patient in the build-up as they searched for an equalizer, before their trademark through passes into the channels carried them to a 2-1 lead before half-time.

The first goal came after Houssem Aouar released Steven Bergwijn in the 34th minute and the Dutchman finished powerfully to level the scores. Seven minutes later, Al-Sahafi was slipped through on goal only to be brought down for a penalty. Bergwijn stepped up and converted it for his