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.
