Youssef En-Nesyri double helps Al-Ittihad move top of Roshn Saudi League

Al-Ittihad moved temporarily to the top of the Roshn Saudi League after securing a comfortable 3-1 victory away to Al-Faisaly, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring twice.

The match took place on Friday at Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, with Al-Ittihad claiming a third consecutive win and extending their unbeaten start to the season.

Steven Bergwijn opened the scoring in the 28th minute with Al-Ittihad’s first shot on target. The Netherlands winger received the ball from Colombia midfielder Richard Rios before sending a powerful effort from outside the penalty area into the net.

Al-Ittihad doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. In the 43rd minute, Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena delivered a precise low cross into the area, which En-Nesyri converted confidently in front of goal.

The Morocco striker struck again in the 59th minute to put the result beyond doubt. Ilenikhena was again the creator, supplying another pass across the face of goal for En-Nesyri to finish.

Al-Faisaly found a consolation goal three minutes from the end when Theo Bongonda hit a fierce shot from outside the box. Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic was unable to keep out the Democratic Republic of the Congo forward’s effort.

The result gives Al-Ittihad five wins and two draws from their opening seven league matches. They remain unbeaten in the Saudi league this season and have collected 17 points.

That total takes the club, known as the Tigers, one point clear of second-placed Al-Qadsiah. Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are two points behind Al-Ittihad, although both have played one match fewer.

Al-Faisaly, meanwhile, suffered their fourth defeat of the campaign. They have also recorded three draws and remain 17th, second from bottom, with three points.

En-Nesyri’s performance was the defining feature of the match, as his two finishes complemented Bergwijn’s early strike and ensured Al-Ittihad maintained their strong start to the season.