Image Source – EFE /
A late goal by Karim Benzema against Al Okhdood secured a victory (0-1) for the reigning champions Al Ittihad, who had suffered their first defeat in the Saudi Arabian League (3-4) against Al Hilal in the previous match as they compete for the top spot.
Otro gol de Karim Benzema hoy 🥹🤍 pic.twitter.com/alBFgJmtV0
— MT (@MadridTotal_) September 14, 2023
The former Real Madrid player, active throughout the match played at the Al Okhdood Club Stadium in Najran, did not miss the opportunity and, in the 72nd minute, he received a cross from the left by Haroune Camara and beat the local goalkeeper, the Brazilian Vitor, by pushing the ball with his thigh after a defender’s deflection.
Benzema’s third goal in the Saudi Arabian competition, the second in a row, temporarily puts Al Ittihad back at the top with one more game and two points ahead of Al Hilal, who will face Al Riyadh on Friday in the sixth round of the competition.
Luiz Felipe makes his debut
Nuno Espirito Santo, the coach of Al Ittihad, also fielded N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho, as well as central defender Luiz Felipe, who made his debut in Saudi football after being transferred by Betis on September 7th.
