On December 27, in a key match of the 11th round of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Hasa conquered last season’s AFC Champions League winners Al-Ittihad Jeddah 2-1 at home. 28-year-old former Shanghai Port forward Vargas starred, scoring twice to lead his team to a stunning comeback.
Al-Ittihad Jeddah took the lead in the 22nd minute, with Ibanez assisting Atangana. But Vargas turned the game around with a spectacular left-footed strike in the 43rd minute, equalizing before halftime.
In the second half, Vargas capitalized on a corner opportunity, scoring again to complete his brace and secure a 2-1 win. The victory not only saw Al-Hasa defeat the league’s fourth-placed team but also temporarily escape the relegation zone. Vargas earned 8.4 points and was named man of the match.
The 28-year-old Vargas previously formed the “Wu-Vargas connection” with Chinese star Wu Lei at Espanyol. In the summer of 2022, he joined Shanghai Port for €4M, reuniting with Wu, and contributed 18 goals and 12 assists in 38 matches during the 2024 season, helping the team win the Chinese Super League. Now at Al-Hasa, despite playing for a weaker team, Vargas has scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 12 matches, proving his consistent quality.
