Al-Ittihad FC Cruise Past Al-Faisaly FC 3-1 in Saudi Pro League Clash
Al-Ittihad FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Al-Faisaly FC 3-1 in a Saudi Pro League fixture played on Friday, 11 September 2026. The visiting side controlled large portions of the contest and were good value for their win, with star striker Youssef En-Nesyri leading the charge in emphatic fashion.
Bergwijn Opens the Scoring
Al-Ittihad got off to a positive start and were rewarded on the 28th minute when Steven Bergwijn broke the deadlock with a well-taken finish, assisted by R. Rios. The goal gave Jens Wissing's side a deserved advantage and set the tone for the remainder of the first half. Al-Faisaly FC, set up in a 4-1-3-2 formation under coach G. Solinas, struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to respond before the break.
En-Nesyri Doubles the Lead Late in the First Half
Just before the whistle, En-Nesyri struck to double Al-Ittihad's advantage in the 43rd minute, coolly finishing off an assist from G. Ilenikhena. It was a body blow for Al-Faisaly heading into the interval, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second period.
En-Nesyri Completes His Brace
Al-Faisaly made a bold statement at the start of the second half, bringing on T. Bongonda in place of Eid Al Muwallad, but it was Al-Ittihad who continued to dictate proceedings. En-Nesyri completed his brace on 59 minutes, again assisted by the industrious Ilenikhena, to all but seal the three points for the visitors. The Moroccan forward was simply unplayable throughout and caused Al-Faisaly's backline endless problems.
Late Consolation for Al-Faisaly
With the game effectively over, substitute T. Bongonda gave Al-Faisaly FC something to cheer about in the 87th minute, converting with the aid of an assist from fellow substitute Saud Haddad to make it 3-1. It was a deserved consolation for a home side that kept fighting despite the scoreline.
Stats Snapshot
Al-Ittihad FC registered one corner and one attack recorded in the data, while Al-Faisaly FC committed one foul. Al-Ittihad's Hassan Kadesh picked up a yellow card in the 48th minute. Both sides made five substitutions each, reflecting the tactical adjustments each manager sought throughout the contest. Al-Faisaly made back-to-back changes at the 67th and 80th minutes, while Al-Ittihad rotated heavily from the 63rd minute onwards.
What This Result Means
This convincing victory keeps Al-Ittihad FC firmly in the hunt at the top of the Saudi Pro League, building momentum with a polished away performance. For Al-Faisaly FC, the defeat is a sobering reminder of the work needed to compete with the division's elite, and coach Solinas will be looking for a sharp response in the coming fixtures.