Markus Berg scored twice and had a hand in the other for Al Ain as they thumped Hatta 3-0 in the Arabian Gulf League at the Hamdan bin Rashid Stadium on Saturday.
The Swede, who signed from Greek club Panathinaikos on a transfer fee reported to be €3.3 million (Dh13.7m) over the summer, opened the scoring on 16 minutes and netted the second eight minutes later to set the platform for the visitors.
Berg exchanged passes with Brazilian Douglas to add the third just before the hour for Al Ain's first league win of the season after they drew 2-2 with Al Wasl last week.
Final Whistle, Hatta 0 and @alainfcae 3 #alainclub pic.twitter.com/GRjwSJBXxQ
— Al Ain FC (@alainfcae_en) September 23, 2017
“The two goals from Markus early in the game made all the difference in this game,” said Mohannad Salem, the Al Ain centre-back.
“He has started well for us and scored in both the games for us. We wish he keeps scoring in every game. It’s also a good feeling to get our first win on the board after last week’s draw at home.”
________________________________________
- Rodolfo Arruabarrena: Al Wasl 'making every effort' to win Arabian Gulf League
- Shabab Al Ahli Dubai: Cosmin Olaroiu denies being offered UAE football manager job
________________________________________
Berg stabbed in the ball from six yards after a cross from Tsukasa Shiotani, the Japanese defender, was headed towards his path.
The Swede doubled the lead after moving behind Hatta's defence to head home Amer Abdulrahman's long pass for his third goal in two games.
Al Ain dominated after the break with Douglas rounding off the scoring.
