Karim Benzema led Al-Ittihad to a commanding 3-1 victory over Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Cup final, scoring twice to help his side complete a domestic double and secure their 10th Saudi Cup title.
Under the guidance of Laurent Blanc, Al-Ittihad controlled the match from the outset. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute, when Benzema chested in a pinpoint cross from Steven Bergwijn, giving the Saudi Pro League champions a deserved lead.
Just nine minutes later, Houssem Aouar doubled the advantage, reacting quickly to tap in after Koen Casteels parried a header from Benzema. However, Al-Qadsiah found a lifeline just before the break, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converting a penalty to make it 2-1.
The match had its fair share of controversy — Al-Qadsiah’s Nacho avoided conceding a penalty in the 32nd minute despite a VAR check for a handball, a decision that frustrated many of their supporters.
After the break, Al-Ittihad played more conservatively to protect their lead, though Benzema nearly added a third when his shot struck the crossbar. The game shifted further in their favor in the 81st minute when Al-Qadsiah’s Ezequiel Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
In stoppage time, Benzema sealed the win by clinically finishing a low cross from Diaby, reaffirming his status as the SPL Player of the Season and the match’s undisputed star. Aubameyang struck the woodwork moments later, but it was too late to change the outcome.
With this win, Al-Ittihad celebrate a historic double and a return to domestic dominance, with Benzema’s leadership and finishing proving crucial throughout the campaign.
