Former Celtic star Jota scored his first goal for Al-Ittihad in the win over Al-Wehda.
The winger, 24, has endured a turbulent time since his lucrative £25m move from Celtic to Saudi Arabia.
There has been constant speculation over Jota's position at his new club with reports he was on his way out of Al-Ittihad just one month after signing.
However, he proved his worth to his new side in a win over Al-Wehda as he scored his first goal for the club.
Jota in the wing 💛💛💛 قووووووووووووووووووولpic.twitter.com/g3UwC3frA8
— المدرج الذهبي (@AImodrj) August 28, 2023
Jota had started on the bench again for Al-Ittihad but was called into action after just 42 minutes when Karim Benzema was forced off through injury.
Al-Ittihad went ahead just after the hourmark through Romarinho before Jota doubled the lead shortly after.
In the 67th minute, Jota raced clear of the Al-Wehda rearguard and burst into the box before squeezing the ball into the net for his first goal in Al-Ittihad colours.
After his strike, Jota hopped over the advertising boards towards the supporters before throwing his arms into the air and shouting to celebrate.
He was quickly mobbed by his team-mates who joined the celebrations, while Karim Benzema could be seen applauding Jota's efforts from the bench.
Igor Coronado added a third for Al-Ittihad in the comfortable win in Saudi Pro League action.
It comes after reports had suggested Jota would leave Al-Ittihad over an alleged fallout.
Saudi newspaper SABQ claimed that the real factor behind Jota being allowed to leave the club so soon after signing is that he "can't get along with some teammates."
The source alleged there is a dressing room divide within the Saudi Pro League champions.
Look at what it means to Jota! 🙌#yallaRSL #RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/p2dQkEgDxt
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) August 28, 2023
