Bergwijn brace lights up Benzema-less Al Ittihad

No Karim Benzema, no problem.

Even without their captain and talisman, Al Ittihad dispatched Al Fateh 4-2 in their opening home match of the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League, the champions maintaining their 100 percent start to the season.

In Benzema’s absence - the Frenchman struck a hat-trick in Matchweek 1 - Steven Bergwjin stepped forward, netting twice in four minutes at a joyous Alinma Stadium to snap a level scoreline and put Al Ittihad 3-1 up before half-time.

But Bergwijn’s brace was only part of the story. A highly entertaining encounter included six goals and two sendings off, the RSL title-holders now having found the net nine times in two league matches of this embryonic campaign.

Laurent Blanc, who pre-match received his 2024-25 Manager of the Season award, would’ve delighted in Houssem Aouar putting his side 1-0 up on 22 minutes, although Al Fateh responded 11 minutes later through Argentine Matias Vargas.

Then, with Benzema out injured, Bergwijn bent the match to his will. Goals in the 35th and 39th minute proved the Dutchman’s dazzling debut season last term was no fluke, before Al Fateh were reduced to 10 men right on half-time when Mourad Batna picked up a second booking.

However, just before the hour, Al Ittihad lost a man – and, soon after, their two-goal advantage. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic clattered Fahad Al Zubaidi and received his marching orders, while on 69 minutes, Al Fateh striker Sofiane Bendebka converted calmly from the spot.

Suddenly 3-2, it set up a tense finish, home nerves settled only in stoppage-time when Muhannad Al Shanqeeti restored Al Ittihad’s cushion. With it, the defending champions moved to the top of the early table, with six points from six in the bag.

Elsewhere on Friday, Asian champions Al Ahli were held to a goalless draw at Al Ettifaq, whereas Al Shabab saw off 10-man Al Hazem 1-0 in Riyadh courtesy of Yannick Carrasco’s sublime finish not long after the hour.