Benzema and Kanté Guide Al-Ittihad to Victory against Al-Raed as the Saudi Pro League Kicks Off
Al-Ittihad made a resounding start to their campaign, asserting their superiority in the second half to secure a victory against Al-Raed. The match saw all three goals being netted in the latter period.
With N’Golo Kante and Fabinho partnering in midfield, both recent arrivals from Chelsea and Liverpool respectively, Al-Ittihad dominated the match for significant periods. The Jeddah side also has a solid attacking unit led by Karim Benzema, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Romarinho, and Igor Coronado.
Despite holding possession for two-thirds of the game, Al-Ittihad initially struggled to breach Ahmad Al-Harbi’s goal. Chances from Benzema and Romarinho narrowly missed, and an offside decision nullified a goal for the hosts.
The tide shifted after halftime, as Hamdallah’s header from a Kante cross tested Al-Harbi. The Moroccan forward eventually found the mark, receiving a precise pass from Benzema. Hamdallah evaded defenders with finesse, slotting the ball into the net.
Al-Raed attempted an immediate response, but Abdullah Al-Fahad’s close-range effort from a free kick struck the crossbar.
Al-Ittihad’s dominance was further highlighted with Coronado’s curling shot from the left, extending their lead by two goals. Kante’s potent strike led to Coronado’s brace, securing a comprehensive victory.
The dynamic performance, featuring key contributions from Hamdallah and Coronado and the synergy between Kante and Benzema, sets an encouraging tone for Al-Ittihad’s aspirations in the league in the new season.
