Steven Bergwijn's brace inspires Al Ittihad in Saudi Pro League clash

Al Ittihad showed they can win without Karim Benzema. In their first home game of the Saudi Pro League season, the defending champions beat Al Fateh 4-2. Steven Bergwijn scored twice, while Laurent Blanc’s side handled a dramatic contest filled with goals and red cards.

Steven Bergwijn leads Al Ittihad attack

Benzema, who scored a hat-trick in the opening week, was unavailable due to injury. That left space for Steven Bergwijn to step up.The Dutch forward delivered, scoring in the 35th and 39th minutes. His first goal gave Al Ittihad a 2-1 lead, and his second doubled the advantage before halftime. It was a reminder of his impact last season and showed he can carry the team when Benzema is missing.Before Bergwijn’s goals, Houssem Aouar had opened the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Al Fateh responded quickly through Matias Vargas, leveling the game at 1-1. But Bergwijn’s brace shifted control toward the champions. Al Fateh’s Mourad Batna was then sent off before the break, leaving his side with a steep challenge.

Predrag Rajkovic's red card changes the momentum

The game turned again after halftime. Al Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic received a red card for fouling Fahad Al Zubaidi inside the box.That dismissal gave Al Fateh hope, and Sofiane Bendebka converted the penalty in the 69th minute to make it 3-2.

Suddenly, the two-goal cushion was gone. And tension grew inside Alinma Stadium.For a short spell, Al Fateh looked capable of stealing a point. With both sides reduced to ten men, the contest became wide open, and mistakes at the back could have punished either team.

Muhannad Al Shanqeeti seals dramatic late win

Al Ittihad eventually settled nerves in stoppage time. Muhannad Al Shanqeeti scored the fourth goal, confirming a 4-2 victory.The defending champions now have six points from their first two games, scoring nine goals in the process.

Bergwijn’s finishing, combined with Blanc’s tactical management, underlined that this squad has multiple attacking threats beyond Benzema.Elsewhere in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, Al Ahli played a goalless draw against Al Ettifaq. In Riyadh, Yannick Carrasco scored to help Al Shabab beat Al Hazem 1-0.Al Ittihad sits at the top of the early standings, showing the depth and strength required for another title defense.Also Read: Why top European stars are choosing Saudi Arabia over Europe