Marco Silva insisted that Fulham's 4-2 victory over Al-Ittihad was just "another step" in their preparations for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. 

A dominant first-half display from Fulham saw them race into a commanding lead thanks to goals from Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Josh King and Jorge Cuenca. 

Karim Benzema struck twice after the break to reduce the deficit, but Fulham remained in control and created several opportunities to add to their tally in the second half.

In what was the Cottagers' second game of their pre-season training camp in Portugal, Wilson's brilliant effort in the seventh minute gave them the early lead. 

Silva's team doubled their advantage through Smith Rowe's sublime chip over Hamed Al Shanqiti before quickfire goals from King and Cuenca completed the first-half rout. 

But two goals in six minutes from Benzema after the interval threatened a nervy finish for Fulham, but they were able to hold on to continue their strong start to pre-season. 

Another pre-season W. pic.twitter.com/QocX3KGebJ

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 30, 2025

Fulham have now scored seven goals in their last two pre-season fixtures, having beaten fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest 3-1 last Saturday. 

They welcome Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt to Craven Cottage on August 9 before opening their top-flight campaign away to Brighton a week later. 

And while Silva was impressed by his team's first-half display, he believed the ruthlessness of their attacking output in the first 45 minutes impacted their showing after the break. 

"It is another step in our preparation. That is the main thing," Silva told Fulham's official website. 

"About the game, it was difficult because of the weather, but we have to train in these conditions because it will put us in a good position for the first game of the Premier League. 

"That is the main objective for us. It was a very good first half with the way we controlled the first half with some very good goals. The second half was not at the same level. 

"We have to be honest, we didn't play at our level in the second half. Of course, 4-0 at half-time probably creates a more relaxed scenario and it should not. 

"But overall, the performance was very different in the second half but the attitude and the commitment was there."