The scoreboard at King Abdullah Sports City screamed 4-2, a testament to a match that was anything but routine. Al-Ittihad ultimately claimed the victory, but the raw numbers and the unfolding drama of Round 2 revealed a game of sharp edges, volatile swings, and a pivotal moment that irrevocably altered Al-Fateh's destiny on the night. This was not a controlled performance from the hosts, but a triumph forged in the fires of a mid-game transformation.

A Frenetic Opening, Forging a Lead

The contest began with the dynamism expected of a Saudi Pro League clash, Al-Ittihad asserting their control with 64% possession and a total of 438 passes. This numerical dominance translated into early pressure, culminating in Houssem Aouar's 22nd-minute opener, a reward for their sustained attacking intent. Yet, Al-Fateh, despite their lower share of the ball, showed immediate resilience.

Matías Vargas restored parity in the 33rd minute, hinting at a more balanced affair than possession stats alone would suggest. This equalizer, however, served merely as the calm before Al-Ittihad's storm. In a blistering four-minute spell, Steven Bergwijn took center stage. The Dutch winger, who would later be crowned MVP, netted twice in the 35th and 39th minutes, catapulting Al-Ittihad into a commanding 3-1 lead. His individual brilliance, converting both of his shots on target into goals, was the catalyst.

When Fortunes Flipped: The Red Card and the Woodwork's Cruelty

Just as Al-Fateh seemed to be finding their rhythm, a critical sequence of events began to unfold, culminating in the match's undeniable turning point. Mourad Batna, who had assisted Vargas's equalizer, saw red around the 46th minute mark. His expulsion meant Al-Fateh faced the daunting prospect of navigating the majority of the second half with ten men. This numerical disadvantage, confirmed by the match statistics showing one red card for each side but Batna's timing being so impactful on the second half, undeniably tilted the scales.

Further compounding Al-Fateh's woes was an astonishing run of bad luck: they hit the woodwork three times. These near-misses weren't just unlucky; they represented crucial goal-scoring opportunities, particularly in a match where they managed 6 shots on target out of 13 attempts. Had even one of those efforts found the net, the narrative of the match, especially during that chaotic first half, could have been dramatically different. The combination of Batna's exit and the football gods seemingly conspiring against them created an insurmountable hurdle.

Al-Ittihad's Resolve, Al-Fateh's Fight

Despite the numerical advantage (for a period, at least), Al-Ittihad didn't cruise. Al-Fateh, even with ten men, fought with commendable spirit. Sofiane Bendebka converted a penalty in the 69th minute, a brief glimmer of hope that brought the score to 3-2 and kept Al-Ittihad honest. This ability to score under duress, despite being out-possessed and out-passed, speaks volumes about their resolve.

However, Al-Ittihad eventually sealed the contest. Defender Muhannad Shanqeeti added a fourth goal in the 90th minute, capping off a performance that, while offensively potent, also saw some defensive vulnerabilities. Zaydou Youssouf's six tackles and nine duels won highlighted the midfield battleground where Al-Ittihad had to work tirelessly to contain their shorthanded opponents.

Beyond the Scoreline: Lessons for Both Sides

Al-Ittihad's 4-2 triumph moves them to six points, keeping pace with early league leaders Al-Nassr. It's a win that demonstrates their attacking firepower and ability to capitalize on moments of fortune and numerical advantage. Yet, manager Laurent Blanc will undoubtedly scrutinize a game where the opposition, despite being hampered, still managed to find the net twice and create multiple clear-cut chances. For Al-Fateh, it’s a defeat shrouded in what-ifs. How different would the match have been without Batna's early exit and the cruel intervention of the goal frame? Their fighting spirit, even with ten men and three strikes against the woodwork, suggests they possess the tenacity to trouble future opponents. The question remains: can they translate that resilience into results when the turning points finally go their way?