Karim Benzema has added to his glittering trophy cupboard by profitable the King’s Cup with Al Ittihad.
The Saudi Professional League champions accomplished their first league and King’s Cup double after beating Al Qadsiah 3-1 on Friday evening.
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First half objectives from Benzema and Houssem Aouar put Lauren Blanc’s facet 2-0 up.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then pulled a objective again for Al Qadsiah from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.
Nonetheless, the previous Arsenal captain was left heartbroken following the ultimate whistle.
Aubameyang was denied a primary trophy since shifting to Saudi Arabia final July from Marseille.
The defeat additionally proved an excessive amount of for a number of of the Al Qadsiah stars, with the membership but to win the competitors of their 58-year historical past.
Their job had been made even more durable after Ezequiel Fernandez was despatched off late on earlier than Benzema added a 3rd in stoppage time.
In the end, Aubaemyang’s twenty first objective since signing was not sufficient to finish his facet’s await a significant trophy.
Al Qadsiah haven’t lifted a major piece of silverware for 31 years following their remaining defeat.
The membership have been promoted to the top-flight final season earlier than ending fourth this time period.
They have been unable to disclaim Al Ittihad a historic double, although, after Benzema lifted the league title earlier this month.
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His facet completed the season eight factors away from nearest challengers Al Hilal.
The title triumph was the tenth of their historical past and is now paired with a tenth King’s Cup victory.
Solely Al Ahli and Al Hilal have received Saudi Arabia’s main cup competitors extra occasions.
It continues a formidable spell within the Center East for Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad from Actual Madrid in 2023.
He now boasts 38 objectives in 62 appearances for Al Ittihad.
These strikes embody 21 within the league this season as he completed third within the scoring charts behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney.
Ronaldo claimed a second consecutive golden boot with 25 objectives for Al Nassr.
Nonetheless, he was denied the league’s participant of the season award by Benzema, who obtained the honour for the primary time.