Saudi champions Al-Ittihad defeated Auckland City 3-0 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday to advance to the second round of the Club World Cup thanks to goals in the first half from Romarinho, N’Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema.

Al-Ittihad, making their first tournament appearance since their journey to the semi-finals in 2005, dominated the match at home to set up a matchup with African champions Al Ahly at the same location on Friday.

In the semi-finals, the winners will take on Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores champions.

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Romarinho’s effort from the edge of the box beat goalie Conor Tracey and found the net before the half-hour mark, giving the hosts the lead.

Five minutes later, France’s Kante increased the advantage with an incredible shot after a loose ball in the box, and in the fortyth minute, fellow countryman Karim Benzema added a third goal to become the first player to score in four different Club World Cups.

In their second-round match on Friday, the winners of the CONCACAF Champions League Leon take against the Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds.

Manchester City will face the winner of the match.