'With all the rage of the world' - Hernandez on debut RSL goal

Staring down Gaetan Coucke and a debut goal in the Roshn Saudi League, Unai Hernandez confronted several obstacles.

First, the ball had fallen onto his weaker left foot. Meanwhile, in his mind, he was attempting to calculate the angles and shot selection. Also, no doubt, was the enormity of the moment, not only for him personally, but for title-chasing Al Ittihad.

Yet Hernandez came through.

He swept the ball past the Al Orobah goalkeeper, opening the scoring for the hosts at an expectant Alinma Stadium, and sending RSL leaders Al Ittihad on their way to a vital 2-0 victory. Ultimately, to expanding the gap at the summit to second-placed Al Hilal to eight points with seven matches remaining.

So, in that manic moment, what flashed through the 20-year-old’s thoughts?

“It happened very fast,” Hernandez said afterwards. “When Fabinho passed me the ball, I have seen myself very alone, so I have thought about shooting on goal. It has been with my bad foot, the left one.

“When I have seen myself alone, I told myself I had to shoot. And it has been with all the strength and all the rage of the world.

“I always think you have to shoot because things happen when you do. It was with my left foot, and it has been a beautiful goal.”

Everyone connected to Al Ittihad would surely agree. Those attached to Hernandez, too.

For, as far as the RSL is concerned, it has been a pretty fantastic past month for the young Spaniard: signed in January from FC Barcelona, the young midfielder had to wait until Matchweek 23 for his first taste of the Saudi Arabian top flight.

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Now, with a debut goal in the bag, he plans on providing a crucial contribution in Al Ittihad securing for the club a second RSL title in three seasons.

“Scoring goals is very good, it gives me confidence,” Hernandez said. “The most important is to help the team, whatever it is with goals, defensive and offensive hard work. So, I am very happy.

“We need to keep going this way, keep competing and keep winning. We can’t let the games go; we always have to take the three points to get our objective in the end.”