Karim Benzema has added to his glittering trophy cabinet by winning the King’s Cup with Al Ittihad.
The Saudi Pro League champions completed their first league and King’s Cup double after beating Al Qadsiah 3-1 on Friday night.
GettyBenzema scored twice to help At Ittihad beat Al Qadsiah 3-1 in the King’s Cup final[/caption] Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty was not enough to inspire a comebackAFP or licensorsFirst half goals from Benzema and Houssem Aouar put Lauren Blanc’s side 2-0 up.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then pulled a goal back for Al Qadsiah from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.
However, the former Arsenal captain was left heartbroken following the final whistle.
Aubameyang was denied a first trophy since moving to Saudi Arabia last July from Marseille.
The defeat also proved too much for several of the Al Qadsiah stars, with the club yet to win the competition in their 58-year history.
Their task had been made even harder after Ezequiel Fernandez was sent off late on before Benzema added a third in stoppage time.
Ultimately, Aubaemyang’s 21st goal since signing was not enough to end his side’s wait for a major trophy.
Al Qadsiah have not lifted a significant piece of silverware for 31 years following their final defeat.
The club were promoted to the top-flight last season before finishing fourth this term.
They were unable to deny Al Ittihad a historic double, though, after Benzema lifted the league title earlier this month.
Aubameyang had scored from the spot to reduce the deficit for Al QadsiahGetty Images - Getty Al Ittihad have now scooped ten King’s Cup titles in their historyAFP or licensorsHis side finished the season eight points clear of nearest challengers Al Hilal.
The title triumph was the tenth in their history and is now paired with a tenth King’s Cup victory.
Only Al Ahli and Al Hilal have won Saudi Arabia’s leading cup competition more times.
It continues an impressive spell in the Middle East for Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad from Real Madrid in 2023.
He now boasts 38 goals in 62 appearances for Al Ittihad.
Those strikes include 21 in the league this season as he finished third in the scoring charts behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney.
Ronaldo claimed a second consecutive golden boot with 25 goals for Al Nassr.
However, he was denied the league’s player of the season award by Benzema, who received the honour for the first time.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Karim Benzema guides Al Ittihad to historic first to break Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s heart )
Also on site :