Jeddah, September 13, 2025 — Al-Ittihad showed resilience and flair in their 4-2 home win over Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League yesterday, despite being without veteran striker Karim Benzema. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn stole the spotlight, grabbing a brace and helping steer his club to a dramatic victory.
Key Moments & Performance
- Early assertiveness: Bergwijn opened the scoring in the first half, followed shortly by a goal from Houssem Aouar. Their fast start imposed early pressure on Al-Fateh.
- Discipline and momentum shift: Despite taking a red card (to Predrag Rajković), Al-Ittihad kept composure, holding the ball well and creating chances.
- Late decisive strike: Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti sealed the result with a late goal, ensuring the points even as Al-Fateh attempted a late comeback.
What This Victory Means
- Depth and adaptability showcased
Losing a star like Benzema could have derailed Al-Ittihad’s plans, but Bergwijn’s brio and the multi-scoring effort demonstrated that the club can adapt when needed. It signals strength in squad depth and mental toughness. - Momentum in the title race
Wins like this bolster confidence, especially early in the season. With Al-Ittihad showing they can win under adversity, they send a message to the rest of the league that they’re serious contenders this year. - Spotlight on young/adaptable talent
Bergwijn’s performance raises his profile; it may encourage the club to rely more frequently on such wingers who can deliver when the marquee names aren’t available.
What to Watch Moving Forward
- How Benzema’s injury or absence is managed: whether Al-Ittihad adjust tactics in his absence or find more consistent backup options.
- Whether Bergwijn continues this goal-scoring run — consistency is key, particularly against tougher defensive teams.
- Al-Fateh’s response: they’ll need to shore up defensively and maximize their attacking moments to secure results against top-tier teams.
Final Thought
Al-Ittihad’s 4-2 win over Al-Fateh is an early season statement: even when things aren’t perfectly aligned, the team can find a way. For KSAsportz, this game underlines that Saudi Pro League matches are not just about marquee names — it’s about attitude, adaptability, and seizing moments. Expect more thrilling fixtures ahead as the contenders emerge.