Karim Benzema scored twice as Al-Ittihad secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Al-Fayah on Sunday, moving them to within touching distance of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) championship.
The win at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium extends Al-Ittihad’s lead over second-placed Al-Hilal to nine points with only three matches remaining in the season. The title could be virtually secured for Al-Ittihad if Al-Hilal fail to win their game in hand against Al-Orubah on Monday, May 12.
After a period of probing, Benzema broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. The former Real Madrid striker combined with Unai Hernandez on the edge of the penalty area before skilfully manoeuvring through defenders to fire a low shot into the opposite corner for his 20th league goal of the campaign.
Benzema added his second, and 21st of the season, nine minutes into the second half. Abdulrahman Al-Oboud provided the assist, slipping a pass to the 37-year-old Frenchman who calmly side-footed the ball home. Benzema was substituted shortly after due to an injury, but his crucial contributions had already set Al-Ittihad on course for a vital win.
The three points were confirmed with 14 minutes remaining when Al-Fayah defender Mohammed Al-Baqawi, attempting to intercept a cross aimed at Al-Oboud, inadvertently directed the ball past his own goalkeeper.
In other SPL action on Sunday, Al-Qadsiah moved into third position following a 1-0 away victory against Al-Taawoun, courtesy of an own goal by Andrei Girotto. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli, recently crowned Asian champions, were defeated 3-1 at Al-Shabab.
The standout performer in that match was Abderrazak Hamdallah, who scored twice for Al-Shabab, taking his season tally to 21 goals and his overall SPL count to 150 – just four behind record-holder Omar Al-Somah. Hamdallah was later sent off for a second bookable offence with 13 minutes remaining.
Despite Hamdallah’s milestone, the day’s significant developments centred on Karim Benzema’s performance and Al-Ittihad’s commanding step towards league glory.
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