Benzema's team consolidates lead in Saudi Pro League

From the beginning of the match, Al Ittihad dominated the sixth place team. The defending champion controlled the ball 55% of the time and shot 11 times, five times more than his opponent.

Three rookies of Al Ittihad, Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N'Golo Kante all started. In the 22nd minute, the former Real star almost opened the scoring. He broke through the middle, then shot his left foot narrowly wide. Meanwhile, Al Tai attacks mainly from the side. The away team could not cause waves for the defending champion's defense.

Early in the second half, Benzema continued to miss opportunities. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner shot blankly in the middle of the box, but goalkeeper Victor Braga managed to push the ball over the bar.

54 minutes, right after Benzema's miss phase, Igor Coronado took a quick corner for Abderazak Hamed Allah to cushion the ball close to the goal to open the scoring. At that time, Al Tai's defense lost focus and was facing the flagpole.

After taking the lead, Al Ittihad continued to promote the psychological advantage. In the 90th minute, the home team set a 2-0 victory. After Fabinho's cross from the middle of the field, Hamed Allah set up Saleh Al Jamaan to cross and shoot into the corner near Al Tai's net.

With six points after two rounds and a +5 difference, Al Ittihad continues to lead the Saudi Pro League. Before that, in the first round, they beat Al Raed 3-0. Al Ahli and Al Ettifaq also have six points, but are behind Al Ittihad due to poor difference. Meanwhile, Neymar's Al Hilal has only four points after two games. Neymar has not played for the new team, after moving from PSG for $ 98.3 million.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr is ranked fourth from the bottom. Last season's runner-up had no points after two defeats to Al Ettifaq 1-2 and Al Taawoun 0-2.

Benzema failed to score in both Al Ittihad's first two matches in the Saudi Pro League 2023-2024. Before that, he scored three goals in four games in the Arab Club Champions Cup.