Karim Benzema scored the first goal of his Saudi Pro League career on Thursday night as Al-Ittihad won 4-0 away at Al-Riyadh.
The former Real Madrid striker opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Abderrazak Hamdallah – who was last season’s Golden Boot winner – netted twice. Saleh Al-Amri then wrapped up a convincing victory in added time, shortly after Al-Ittihad goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe had saved a penalty kick from Al-Riyadh substitute Saleh Al Abbas.
Thursday’s win sent the defending champions top of the table. Al-Ittihad have now started the Saudi Pro League season with three straight wins and have still not yet conceded a goal. Benzema’s was the product of a slick team move that started with Fabinho in possession in the left-back position.
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Fabinho played the ball infield to Hamdallah, whose first-time pass found Benzema in the center of the pitch, 10 yards inside his own half. Benzema carried the ball forward at pace for 40 yards before playing a neat one-two with Madallah Alolayan and then smashing home a shot from just inside the penalty area.
Al-Ittihad will next be in action on Monday when they travel to Al-Wehda. Meanwhile, also on Thursday, Riyad Mahrez set up ex-Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessié to head in a stoppage-time winner for Al Ahli at home to Al Okhdood. Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq missed a chance to join Al Ahli and Al Ittihad on maximum points from three games after they could only draw at home to Al Khaleej.