Karim Benzema scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Al Akhdoud, while also putting Al Ittihad back at the top of the Saudi Pro League after six rounds.

Benzema scored from the ball down the left flank in the 72nd minute. After receiving a sinking cross, the French striker pushed the ball to the feet of the home defender. Soon after, he lifted the ball past goalkeeper Paulo Vitor with his knee to score.

Benzema scored with his knee during the Al Akhdoud – Al Ittihad match on the evening of September 14. Photo: Al Ittihad

Before the decisive goal, Al Ittihad did not play well. Against Al Akhdoud’s deep back defence, the Saudi Pro League champions’ attacking play in the middle became less effective. In the first half, Benzema made the only headline with a strike in the 38th minute. Goalkeeper Paulo Vitor needed two touches to dominate.

After the break, Al Ittihad attacked on the flanks more. On the left flank, Brazilian Romarinho made waves for Al Akhdoud with his technical dribbles. Fortune finally smiled on them as Benzema successfully capitalized on the opportunity in the 72nd minute. This is the third table of Benzema after six rounds of Saudi Pro League. Earlier, the 35-year-old striker also scored three goals in four Arab Champions Cup matches for Al Ittihad.

Al Ittihad’s September 14 victory featured the midfield duo of Fabinho and N’Golo Kante. Two former Premier League stars helped the defending Saudi Pro League champions control the ball 9%.

Al Ittihad back to the lead, with 15 points after six rounds. They have only lost one game since the start of the tournament: a 3-4 defeat to Al Hilal on September 1. Al Hilal and Al Taawoun are second and third with the same 9 points, but there is one game left to play. Al Hilal can regain the lead if they win against Al Riyadh on September 13. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are sixth, with nine points from five games.