Al-Ittihad Edge Al-Hazem 3-2 as Bergwijn Hat-Trick Sends Them Top of the Saudi Pro League
Al-Ittihad secured an exciting 3-2 victory over Al-Hazem in a thrilling encounter on Monday as part of the third round of the Saudi Pro League, with the decisive goal arriving late in the match.
Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn was the star of the night, scoring all three of Al-Ittihad’s goals to lead his side to a valuable victory and three important points in the race for the league summit.
Al-Hazem opened the scoring in the 18th minute through Abdulaziz Al-Dhuwayhi, but Al-Ittihad responded strongly and turned the game around before half-time. Bergwijn scored twice in the 34th and 41st minutes, including one from the penalty spot, to give Al-Ittihad a 2-1 lead at the break.
Al-Hazem fought back after the restart and restored parity in the 59th minute through Sofiane Bendebka, bringing the game level once again as both sides pushed for a decisive goal.
Al-Ittihad were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute, and Bergwijn stepped up to convert it and complete his hat-trick, putting his team back in front and securing all three points.
The victory takes Al-Ittihad to 7 points, moving them temporarily to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings pending the remaining results from the third round.