Benzema Sparks Al Ittihad, Double Dream Delivered
TDT | Manama
Benzema's Magic
Al Ittihad fans are still in high spirits after their team won the Saudi Cup with a 3-1 win over Al Qadsiah on Friday night, sealing a domestic double in style. Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid star, was the hero in Jeddah, bagging a brace to guide Laurent Blanc's side to their 10th cup success. It was a fitting end to a season where they also claimed the Saudi Pro League title. The final wasn't without its drama, with Al Qadsiah down to 10 men late on, but Al Ittihad's class shone through. Benzema, fresh off being named the league's Player of the Season, proved why he's still one of the game's elite, delivering when it mattered most.
Final Full of Twists
The game at King Abdullah Sports City had its cagey moments early on. Moussa Diaby could've put Al Ittihad ahead in the 21st minute but fluffed his lines. Al Qadsiah had a scare when Nacho's handball in the box went unpunished after a VAR check. Then, in the 34th minute, Benzema broke the deadlock, coolly chesting in a perfect cross from Steven Bergwijn to get the fans going.
Houssem Aouar made it 2-0 just before the break, slotting home after Al Qadsiah's keeper Koen Casteels parried a Benzema header. The underdogs hit back in stoppage time with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converting a penalty, giving them a glimmer of hope going into the second half.
Benzema Puts It to Bed
After the interval, Al Ittihad played it smart, with Benzema rattling the bar as they pushed for a third. Al Qadsiah stayed in the fight, and Aubameyang forced a sharp save from Predrag Rajkovic. But the game swung decisively when Ezequiel Fernandez picked up a second yellow in the 81st minute, leaving Al Qadsiah a man short. Benzema made them pay in stoppage time, firing in a low cross from Diaby to seal the deal.
Aubameyang struck the woodwork late on, but Al Ittihad's defence held strong. It was a performance that mixed discipline with flair, exactly what Blanc has drilled into this squad.
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