Karim Benzema played a crucial part in Al-Ittihad’s impressive victory against Abha on Friday, November 10, at the Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah.
The defending champions sought to enhance their performance in the Saudi Pro League following the departure of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo. They faced a challenging test, having been unable to secure wins in their last five matches (D3 L2).
Benzema, on the other hand, became the driving force for a turnaround, putting on a sensational display that featured an impressive hat-trick and an assist in Al-Ittihad’s 4-2 triumph at their home ground.
The Frenchman initiated the scoring just eight minutes past the half-hour mark, breaking the deadlock with a perfectly executed penalty that deceived Romanian goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu in the Abha goal.
This goal marked Benzema’s first since October 31 in the King’s Cup against Al Feiha and his inaugural one in the Saudi top flight following a 2-2 draw with Al Hazem just five days prior.
While the home crowd reveled in the joy brought by Benzema’s goal, Cameroonian international Karl Toko Ekambi briefly dampened their spirits by capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to equalize for Abha after halftime.
Undeterred, the 35-year-old orchestrated a remarkable turnaround within a 15-minute span. Firstly, he showcased his playmaking skills with a stylish backheel pass that set up Igor Coronado, who slotted home from close range in the 54th minute.
Coronado reciprocated the favor by assisting Benzema’s second goal in the 67th minute. The Brazilian midfielder and the former Real Madrid striker replicated the play, with the latter completing his hat trick and securing a comprehensive victory for Al-Ittihad.
Despite a late response from Saudi Arabian midfielder Fahad Jumayah, who scored with a powerful header for Abha, the goal spurred Abha on as they came close to narrowing the gap further. They even hit the frame of the post, but it ultimately proved to be much ado about nothing as the home side held on to secure a crucial win.