Karim Benzema strikes as Al Ittihad maintain perfect start to Saudi Pro League with heavy win

Agency :
Al-Ittihad continued their flawless start to their title defence with a convincing 4-0 triumph over Al Riyadh on Thursday evening at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

The Tigers extended their winning streak to three in the Saudi Pro League, solidifying their lead in the league standings under Nuno Espirito Santo’s management.

The marquee summer signing, Karim Benzema, finally ended his goal drought in the Pro League with a brilliant team play, finding the net 17 minutes into the match, Fan Nation reports.

He then graciously handed penalty duties to his partner-in-crime, Abderrazak Hamdallah, who confidently notched his third goal of the season just eight minutes after Benzema’s opener, per SportBIBLE.

Hamdallah, the prolific Moroccan striker, added to the spectacle with a goal-of-the-season contender, executing an overhead kick after a well-placed pass from Al Olayan, sending Ittihad into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.

In the second half, the defending Saudi Pro League champions eased off the gas pedal but delivered a fourth goal in stoppage time, further compounding the hosts’ woes.

Al Riyadh’s missed penalty in the 89th minute prevented them from reducing the deficit, allowing the Jeddah-based giants to maintain their spotless defensive record after three games played.

Up next is another away encounter, facing Al Wehda, who are on a two-game winning streak, at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium on Monday, August 28.

In the same game, Benzema displayed a remarkable act of sportsmanship during Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League showdown against Al Riyadh by selflessly passing up the opportunity to take a penalty.