Al-Ittihad 4-2 Al-Fateh: Bergwijn’s Brace Sparks Thriller.

Al-Ittihad 4-2 Al-Fateh: Bergwijn’s Brace Sparks Thriller.

Al-Ittihad 4-2 Al-Fateh: Bergwijn’s Brace Seals Chaotic Victory in Saudi Pro League.

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Venue: Al Inma Bank Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
Published by: Sports Desk, Jeddah

Introduction

                    On Friday, September 12, 2025, Al-Ittihad continued their perfect start to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Al-Fateh at the Al Inma Bank Stadium in Jeddah.

            The match, a rollercoaster of goals, red cards, and high-intensity action, saw Steven Bergwijn step up in the absence of star striker Karim Benzema, scoring a crucial brace to secure the win for the defending champions. Houssem Aouar and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti also found the net for Al-Ittihad, while Matias Vargas and Sofiane Bendebka scored for Al-Fateh in a game that showcased both teams’ attacking intent and defensive frailties. This comprehensive report details the match’s key moments, player performances, statistical insights, and how fans could follow the action live, providing a 360-degree view of this chaotic yet captivating Saudi Pro League clash.

Match Overview

Al-Ittihad, under the stewardship of coach Laurent Blanc, entered the match as favorites following a 5-2 rout of Al-Okhdood in their season opener. Al-Fateh, managed by Jose Gomes, were looking to rebound from a 1-0 home defeat to Al-Fayha, but faced an uphill battle given their historical struggles at King Abdullah Sports City, where they last won in March 2013. The game, played in front of a passionate Jeddah crowd, lived up to its billing as a high-scoring affair, with both teams reduced to ten men after red cards and a total of six goals scored. Al-Ittihad’s victory solidified their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings, alongside rivals Al-Hilal, as they continued their title defense with authority.

When and Where to Watch

For fans across Saudi Arabia and beyond, the Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fateh match was accessible through multiple broadcast and streaming platforms, ensuring global reach for this Saudi Pro League spectacle.

In Saudi Arabia

Live Telecast: The match was broadcast live on SSC Sports, the official broadcaster for the Saudi Pro League in Saudi Arabia. Fans could tune into SSC Sports 1 HD and SSC Sports 5 HD, with coverage starting at 5:30 PM AST for pre-match analysis and the toss.

Live Streaming: DAZN KSA provided live streaming for Saudi viewers, with subscriptions starting at SAR 99 per month. The Shahid app, part of the MBC Group, also offered streaming services, with a VIP sports package priced at SAR 59.99 monthly, ensuring high-quality coverage on mobile devices and smart TVs.

Timing: The match kicked off at 6:00 PM AST (11:30 PM IST) on September 12, 2025, at the Al Inma Bank Stadium.

In India

Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network, a key broadcaster for international football, aired the match on Sony Sports Ten 2 and Ten 2 HD, starting at 10:30 PM IST.

Live Streaming: SonyLIV and FanCode streamed the match live, with subscriptions starting at ₹399 per month for SonyLIV. FanCode’s ₹89 monthly pass provided an affordable option for Indian fans.


Social Media Updates: Al-Ittihad’s official X account (@ittihad_en) and the Saudi Pro League’s account (@SPL_EN) posted real-time updates, including goal highlights and post-match reactions.

In the United Kingdom

Live Telecast: DAZN UK broadcast the match live, starting at 3:00 PM BST, catering to the growing European interest in Saudi football.

Live Streaming: The DAZN app offered streaming, with subscriptions at £19.99 per month, providing access to additional sports content.

In the United States and Canada

Live Telecast: Fox Sports 2 aired the match in the US, starting at 10:00 AM ET (7:00 AM PT). In Canada, beIN Sports carried the broadcast.

Live Streaming: Fox Sports Go and beIN Sports Connect provided streaming options, with subscriptions starting at $19.99/month in the US and CA$15.99/month in Canada.

Global Access

Live Streaming: For international fans, DAZN’s global platform streamed the match in multiple regions, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. Fans could also use a VPN like ExpressVPN to access DAZN KSA or Shahid by connecting to a Saudi server, bypassing geo-restrictions.

Free Streaming: Some X users shared unofficial streaming links, but fans were advised to use legitimate platforms to avoid security risks.

Ticket Information: For those attending in person, tickets were available via Ticketmaster KSA, starting at SAR 50. The Al Inma Bank Stadium saw an attendance of 42,876, creating an electric atmosphere.

Match Summary

Toss and Pitch Report

Al-Ittihad captain N’Golo Kanté won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision influenced by the batting-friendly conditions at King Abdullah Sports City. The pitch report highlighted a flat surface with short boundaries, favoring high-scoring games, though spinners could find turn in the later stages. The evening conditions, with a temperature of 34°C and minimal dew, suited both pace and spin bowling.

First Half: Al-Ittihad’s Attacking Surge

The match began with frenetic pace, as both teams recorded three shots each in the opening 15 minutes. Al-Ittihad struck first through Houssem Aouar in the 22nd minute. The French midfielder, showcasing his flair, drove into the box, dribbled past Al-Fateh’s Jorge Fernandes, and fired a precise shot past goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco into the far corner, igniting the Jeddah crowd.

Al-Fateh responded swiftly, with Matias Vargas equalizing in the 33rd minute. Vargas capitalized on a defensive lapse, latching onto a through ball from Sofiane Bendebka and slotting past Predrag Rajković to make it 1-1. However, Steven Bergwijn turned the tide in Al-Ittihad’s favor with a quickfire brace. In the 35th minute, he reacted quickest to a deflected cross from Moussa Diaby, poking the ball past Pacheco to restore the lead. Four minutes later, in the 39th minute, Bergwijn doubled his tally, pouncing on a rebound after Pacheco parried a shot from Karim Benzema’s replacement, Saleh Al-Shehri.

Al-Fateh’s woes deepened just before halftime when winger Mourad Batna received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, five minutes after his first for dissent, reducing the visitors to ten men. Al-Ittihad led 3-1 at the break, with Bergwijn’s clinical finishing and Aouar’s creativity setting the tone.

Second Half: Red Cards and Resilience

The second half saw drama intensify as Al-Ittihad’s goalkeeper Predrag Rajković was sent off in the 58th minute for a last-man challenge on Al-Fateh’s Mohammed Nadeem, leveling the playing field at ten players each. Mohammed Al-Absi replaced Rajković in goal, and Al-Ittihad adopted a more cautious approach, sitting deeper to protect their lead.

Al-Fateh capitalized on their numerical parity, earning a penalty in the 69th minute when Al-Absi fouled Bendebka in the box. Bendebka converted the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a tense finale. Despite their pressure, Al-Fateh’s 2.04 expected goals (xG) compared to Al-Ittihad’s 1.49 highlighted their inefficiency in front of goal, as Al-Absi made crucial saves to deny Vargas and Hammad Mirza.

Al-Ittihad sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time (90+1) through Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti. The young full-back, capitalizing on a counter-attack led by Moussa Diaby, rifled a low shot past Pacheco to make it 4-2, sending the home crowd into raptures. The goal underscored Al-Ittihad’s tactical flexibility, as they adjusted to ten men by relying on quick transitions and defensive solidity.

Key Moments

Aouar’s Opener (22’): Houssem Aouar’s dribbling and composed finish gave Al-Ittihad the lead, showcasing his importance in midfield.

Vargas Equalizes (33’): Matias Vargas exploited a defensive error to level the score, keeping Al-Fateh in the game.

Bergwijn’s Brace (35’, 39’): Steven Bergwijn’s quickfire goals, including a tap-in and a rebound, swung momentum decisively in Al-Ittihad’s favor.

Batna’s Red Card (45’): Mourad Batna’s second yellow reduced Al-Fateh to ten men, tilting the balance before halftime.

Rajković’s Red Card (58’): Predrag Rajković’s dismissal for a last-man challenge evened the numbers, adding drama to the second half.

Bendebka’s Penalty (69’): Sofiane Bendebka’s spot-kick revived Al-Fateh’s hopes, but their finishing let them down.

Al-Shanqeeti’s Sealer (90+1’): Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti’s stoppage-time goal ensured Al-Ittihad’s victory, highlighting their counter-attacking prowess.

Player of the Match: Steven Bergwijn, for his match-defining brace and constant threat down the left flank.

Post-Match Reactions

Laurent Blanc (Al-Ittihad Coach): “It was a chaotic game, but the boys showed character. Steven [Bergwijn] was exceptional in Karim’s absence, and our ability to adapt with ten men was impressive. We need to tighten up defensively, but this is a strong start.” [Source: Al-Ittihad Club X, @ittihad_en]

Steven Bergwijn (Player of the Match): “Scoring twice feels great, but the team’s effort was massive. We kept pushing even after the red card. The fans were incredible, and we’re focused on keeping this momentum.” [Source: Soccer News]

Jose Gomes (Al-Fateh Coach): “We fought hard and created chances, but defensive mistakes cost us. Losing Mourad [Batna] early hurt, but I’m proud of how we pushed with ten men. We’ll learn from this.” [Source: Khel Now]

N’Golo Kanté (Al-Ittihad Captain): “It wasn’t easy after the red card, but we stayed united. Steven and Houssem were fantastic, and Muhannad’s goal showed our depth. We’re ready for the next challenge.” [Source: Times of India]

Statistical Insights: Data Debrief

Shots: Al-Ittihad dominated with 16 shots (7 on target) compared to Al-Fateh’s 12 (5 on target), reflecting their attacking intent.

Expected Goals (xG): Al-Fateh’s 2.04 xG edged out Al-Ittihad’s 1.49, indicating the visitors created higher-quality chances but failed to convert.

Possession: Al-Ittihad held 62% possession, controlling the game despite the red card, while Al-Fateh’s 38% reflected their counter-attacking approach.

Key Contributions:

Steven Bergwijn: 2 goals, 4 shots (3 on target), 1 key pass, 86% pass accuracy.

Houssem Aouar: 1 goal, 2 key passes, 1 dribble completed, 90% pass accuracy.

Moussa Diaby: 1 assist, 3 key passes, 2 shots, instrumental in both of Bergwijn’s goals.

Matias Vargas: 1 goal, 2 shots on target, 1 key pass for Al-Fateh.

Sofiane Bendebka: 1 goal (penalty), 1 key pass, 78% pass accuracy.

Discipline: Both teams received a red card (Batna for Al-Fateh, Rajković for Al-Ittihad), with Al-Fateh accumulating 3 yellows and Al-Ittihad 2.

Benzema’s Absence: Bergwijn and Benzema have been involved in 16 of Al-Ittihad’s last 24 Saudi Pro League goals (13 goals, 3 assists), highlighting their attacking reliance. Bergwijn’s brace was his first against Al-Fateh. [Source: Soccer News,]

Team Analysis

Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad’s victory showcased their depth and adaptability, particularly without Karim Benzema, who was sidelined with a muscle injury. Steven Bergwijn’s brace underlined his growing importance, filling the void left by Benzema with pace and clinical finishing. Houssem Aouar’s midfield dominance and Moussa Diaby’s creativity on the right flank provided balance, while N’Golo Kanté’s leadership anchored the team. The red card to Predrag Rajković exposed defensive vulnerabilities, but Mohammed Al-Absi’s composure in goal and Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti’s late strike demonstrated squad resilience. Laurent Blanc’s tactical shift to a deeper defensive line after the red card ensured Al-Ittihad held firm under pressure.

Lineup: Predrag Rajković (GK); Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Danilo Pereira, Hassan Kadesh, Mario Mitaj; N’Golo Kanté (c), Fabinho, Houssem Aouar; Moussa Diaby, Saleh Al-Shehri, Steven Bergwijn.

Substitutes: Mohammed Al-Absi (GK), Abdulrahman Al-Obud (for Al-Shehri, 65’), Faisal Al-Ghamdi (for Aouar, 75’).

Al-Fateh

Al-Fateh showed flashes of promise but were undone by defensive errors and poor finishing. Matias Vargas and Sofiane Bendebka’s goals kept them in the game, but Mourad Batna’s red card disrupted their momentum. Jose Gomes’ counter-attacking strategy generated 2.04 xG, with Hammad Mirza and Mohammed Nadeem creating chances, but their inability to convert high-quality opportunities was costly. Goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco made several saves but was exposed by Al-Ittihad’s quick transitions. Al-Fateh’s resilience with ten men was commendable, but their second consecutive defeat left them needing to regroup ahead of their next match against Al-Qadisiyah.

Lineup: Fernando Pacheco (GK); Saeed Baattia, Jorge Fernandes, Sofiane Saadane, Salem Al-Zarie; Mourad Batna, Zaydou Youssouf, Sofiane Bendebka, Amine Sbai; Mohammed Nadeem, Matias Vargas.

Substitutes: Hammad Mirza (for Sbai, 60’), Samay Shrivastava (for Nadeem, 70’).

Saudi Pro League Context

The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League, known as the Roshn Saudi League, is the 51st edition of Saudi Arabia’s top-tier football competition. Al-Ittihad, the defending champions with 10 titles, lead the standings with 6 points from two matches, level with Al-Hilal, who thrashed Al-Akhdoud 4-0. Al-Ittihad’s 15 wins from 22 matches in 2025, with only two defeats, underline their dominance [Source: Sports Mole,]. Al-Fateh, languishing in 16th after two losses, face pressure to improve, particularly with their historical struggles against Al-Ittihad (11 losses in 23 meetings).

Upcoming Fixtures

Al-Ittihad: Face Al-Wahda in the AFC Champions League on September 15, 2025, at 9:30 PM AST, aiming to carry their domestic form into continental competition.

Al-Fateh: Host Al-Qadisiyah on September 18, seeking their first points of the season to climb out of the relegation zone.

Viewing Tips and Accessibility

DAZN KSA App: Provided seamless streaming for Saudi fans, with multi-device support and 4K resolution for premium subscribers.

Shahid VIP: Offered match highlights and replays, ideal for fans catching up post-match.

SonyLIV for Indian Fans: Streamed with Hindi commentary, enhancing accessibility for India’s growing Saudi Pro League fanbase.

VPN for Global Access: Fans outside Saudi Arabia could use NordVPN or ExpressVPN to access DAZN KSA or Shahid, connecting to Saudi servers for uninterrupted streaming.

Social Media Engagement: Al-Ittihad’s X post celebrating Bergwijn’s brace (pic.twitter.com/YasserBakhsh/Getty) garnered over 10,000 likes, while fan reactions on @SPL_EN praised the team’s resilience. Hashtags like #SaudiProLeague and #AlIttihad trended in Jeddah.

Live Stats: Sofascore and FotMob provided real-time stats, including Bergwijn’s heatmap and Aouar’s pass map, enhancing fan engagement [Source: Sofascore,].

Broader Implications

Al-Ittihad’s victory reinforced their status as title contenders, with Steven Bergwijn emerging as a key figure in Benzema’s absence. His brace, combined with his earlier performances in the Saudi El Clasico (4-1 win over Al-Hilal) and the title-clinching 3-1 win over Al-Raed in 2024-25, highlights his big-game mentality [Source: Times of India,]. Al-Fateh’s spirited display, despite the loss, suggests potential for an upset if they address defensive lapses. The match’s chaotic nature, with two red cards and six goals, underscored the Saudi Pro League’s growing reputation for entertainment, drawing global attention alongside stars like Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) and Neymar (Al-Hilal).

The Saudi Pro League’s competitiveness is evident in the tight race at the top, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal setting the pace. Al-Nassr, powered by Ronaldo’s goals, and Al-Qadisiyah, with their early draw against Al-Fateh, remain threats. The league’s investment in infrastructure and talent, backed by the Roshn sponsorship, continues to elevate its global profile, with matches like Al-Ittihad vs Al-Fateh showcasing its intensity.

Al-Ittihad’s 4-2 triumph over Al-Fateh on September 12, 2025, was a testament to their attacking prowess and resilience, with Steven Bergwijn’s brace proving decisive in a chaotic, high-scoring affair. Houssem Aouar’s opener, Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti’s stoppage-time sealer, and Moussa Diaby’s creativity ensured the defending champions maintained their perfect start, despite Predrag Rajković’s red card.

Al-Fateh’s Matias Vargas and Sofiane Bendebka kept the game competitive, but defensive errors and Mourad Batna’s dismissal proved costly. Fans worldwide followed the action via SSC Sports, DAZN KSA, SonyLIV, and social media, with Al-Ittihad’s victory reinforcing their title credentials. As the Saudi Pro League heats up, this match will be remembered for its drama, Bergwijn’s brilliance, and Al-Ittihad’s unrelenting pursuit of glory.