Perfect beginnings. Karim Benzema may have offered himself a golden retirement by choosing to sign in Saudi Arabia, at Al-Ittihad, but he remains the Ballon d’Or in title. For his first match with his new club, against Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the Arab Cup of Champions Clubs, the Frenchman delivered an XXL performance.
The former Real Madrid number 9 first served his teammate Abderrazak Hamdallah on a plateau in the 35th minute, before going there with his own goal in the 55th. Centered on the left wing, Benzema transplanted in the axis and rolled up a sublime shot which ended its race in the skylight of the Tunisian goalkeeper.
Al-Ittihad finally won 2-1 and will challenge CS Sfaxien on Sunday, another Tunisian club, still in the Arab Cup of champion clubs. The resumption of the Saudi championship is scheduled for August 14.
Note that N’Golo Kanté, another flagship recruit of the club based in Ryiad, entered at the break.