Fulham made it two wins from two in their Portugal pre-season camp with a commanding 4-2 win over Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad on Tuesday night, following last week’s 3-1 triumph against Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
On a balmy evening in the Algarve, the Whites were at their clinical best in a first half brimming with attacking flair. Goals from Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Josh King, and Jorge Cuenca sealed the result early on, despite a second-half brace from Karim Benzema threatening a comeback for the Jeddah side.
Once again, it was Wilson who opened the scoring — just as he did against Forest — with another sublime finish, this time bending the ball into the top corner with the outside of his left boot. Smith Rowe doubled the advantage minutes later with a surging run down the wing and a cross that turned into a goal, floating over the keeper and into the net.
King and Cuenca added further first-half goals, with Tom Cairney and Wilson each providing pinpoint assists to cap off an aggressive and stylish opening 45 minutes.
Al-Ittihad threatened a revival after the break through Benzema, who netted twice — the first from the rebound of a saved penalty — but Fulham held firm. Adama Traoré, Andreas Pereira, and young prospect Yannis Loupalo-Bi all impressed off the bench as Marco Silva rotated heavily in the second half.
Eyes on the Season Start
The result reinforces Fulham’s impressive form ahead of their final pre-season test against Hoffenheim in Germany this Saturday (3 August). They will then begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday 17 August away at newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Manager Marco Silva has praised his side’s focus in training and matches, noting that the high tempo and tactical cohesion evident in the Algarve bodes well for the coming season.
Transfer News: Smith Rowe and Berge Arrive, More Moves Expected
Fulham fans got another glimpse of Arsenal signing Emile Smith Rowe, who had a patchy season last season but whose integration into the squad appears seamless. The 24-year-old was dynamic down the left and showed signs of building real chemistry with Wilson and Castagne.
Summer signing Sander Berge also made his second appearance after joining from Burnley, offering control and composure in central midfield. Meanwhile, former Villarreal defender Jorge Cuenca — signed to add depth to the backline — scored his first goal in Fulham colours and looked composed alongside Joachim Andersen.
Adama Traoré, who joined in 2023 but has been hampered by injuries, looked sharp and dangerous off the bench, suggesting he may play a bigger role this season.
There is also speculation that Fulham are still in the market for a striker, with the club exploring various options, although they have made no official comment.
Squad Taking Shape
Silva now has an expanded and competitive squad heading into the 2024/25 season and the depth provided by players like Iwobi, Reed, and Bassey — all of whom featured in the Algarve — will be crucial.
While pre-season results should always be taken with caution, Fulham’s blend of youth, experience, and tactical clarity has fans cautiously optimistic. With one more friendly to go, the real test begins in two weeks’ time.
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Next match: Hoffenheim vs Fulham
Date: Saturday 3 August
Kick-off: 3pm BST
Premier League opener: Ipswich Town vs Fulham – Saturday 17 August
