Hat-trick hero Bergwijn fires Al-Ittihad to five-goal victory over Al-Hazem

Stephen Bergwijn scored three times, including two penalties, as Al-Ittihad beat Al-Hazem 3-2 in an eventful match at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium.

The result moved Al-Ittihad to seven points and provisionally put them top of the table. They are one point ahead of Al-Ahli Saudi, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq.

Al-Hazem made the brighter start and took the lead after 18 minutes. Abdulaziz Al-Dahwahi finished from close range after Afimico Pululu supplied the pass into the penalty area, allowing him to touch the ball into the net.

Al-Ittihad responded through Bergwijn, who restored parity in the 34th minute with an impressive strike from outside the box. The forward created the space for the attempt before sending a powerful effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The momentum then shifted in Al-Ittihad’s favour. Just seven minutes after his first goal, Bergwijn converted from the penalty spot to complete the turnaround and give his side a 2-1 lead.

Al-Hazem refused to surrender control of the contest, however, and levelled again in the second half. Sofiane Bendebka scored in the 59th minute to make it 2-2 and set up a tense final period.

Bergwijn ultimately had the decisive say. He was awarded another penalty in the 81st minute and made no mistake from the spot, completing his hat-trick and restoring Al-Ittihad’s advantage for a third time.

The victory means Al-Ittihad remain unbeaten in the opening stage of their campaign and finish the match at the summit on a provisional basis. Their seven-point tally currently gives them a one-point lead over Al-Ahli Saudi, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq.

Bergwijn’s contribution proved central to the result. His first goal brought Al-Ittihad back into the game after Al-Hazem’s early breakthrough, his second put the visitors ahead before half-time, and his late penalty settled a match in which the lead changed hands repeatedly.

Al-Ittihad will now prepare for their next fixture against Al-Fateh. That match is scheduled for Saturday, 29 August, and will give the side an opportunity to build on a result that has placed them temporarily at the top of the standings.

Al-Hazem, meanwhile, will reflect on a match in which they twice found a way to equalise but could not prevent Bergwijn from completing his treble and securing all three points for Al-Ittihad.