Benzema scores first goal in Saudi Pro League

Saudi Arabia Karim Benzema helped Al Ittihad win 4-0 against Al Riyadh.

Benzema started in the third round of the Saudi Pro League on the evening of August 24. In the 17th minute, the former Real Madrid star opened the scoring for the visiting team Al Ittihad. After dribbling from midfield, he passed the ball to the right wing for Romarinho. After receiving a pass back from his teammate in the penalty area, he adjusted his pace and shot into the top corner.

Benzema celebrates scoring against Al Riyadh on the evening of August 24. Photo: Al Ittihad — Benzema celebrates scoring against Al Riyadh on the evening of August 24. Photo: *Al Ittihad*

Benzema scored his first goal in the Saudi Pro League after three appearances. Previously, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner failed to score in two previous wins over Al Raed 3-0 and Al Tai 2-0. Including three goals in four matches in the Arab Club Champions Cup, Benzema has scored four goals for his new team.

Benzema wearing the captain's armband, starting and scoring in the win over Al Riyadh also dispelled rumors that he had a conflict with coach Nuno Santo. Previously, according to the media, the Portuguese coach said that Benzema was not suitable for his playing style.

After Benzema's opening goal, Hamdallah scored a penalty in the 25th minute and increased the score to 3-0 in the 45+10th minute for Al Ittihad. In the 89th minute, Al Abbas missed the chance to reduce the score for Al Riyadh when he missed a penalty. Al Ittihad only needed four minutes to punish this mistake, with Al Amri scoring the winning goal to make it 4-0. Benzema himself assisted for Al Amri.

After three wins, Al Ittihad continues to lead the Saudi Pro League with nine points and a 9-0 record. Al Ahli also has nine points, but is in second place with a 7-2 record. In the third round, Al Ahli beat Al Akhdoud 1-0, with the only goal in the 90+6 minute from new signing Franck Kessie.

Neymar has not made his debut for Al Hilal, due to continuing pain. However, in the match on the evening of August 24, Al Hilal still had enough strength to beat the home team Al Raed 4-0. Another new player, Aleksandar Mitrovic scored on his debut, in addition to two goals from Al Dawsari and one goal from Al Hamdan. Al Hilal is currently ranked third with seven points, after three matches.

Today, August 25, Ronaldo's Al Nassr will play the third round at Al Fateh. After losing the first two matches to Al Ettifaq 1-2 and Al Taawoun 0-2, the runner-up last season is ranked third from bottom.

Thanh Quy

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