Saudi stadiums witnessed an exceptional start to the career of French star Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner, with his new club Al-Ittihad, not Al-Hilal as some erroneous reports suggested. In his official debut, Benzema not only participated but also made an immediate impact, leading his team to a valuable 2-1 victory over Tunisian side Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the King Salman Champions Cup (Arab Club Champions Cup).
This debut comes amidst a historic transformation in Saudi football. Following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr, a wave of international signings opened the floodgates, reshaping the Saudi Professional League. Karim Benzema's transfer to Al-Ittihad, the then-league champions, was a landmark deal. He moved to Jeddah at the peak of his career after a legendary spell with Real Madrid. This move wasn't merely a sporting transaction; it was part of a strategic project aimed at raising the level of competition and making the Saudi league a destination for the world's top stars, a goal later reinforced by other signings such as Neymar, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez.
In the match held at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Taif, Benzema showcased his world-class quality, for which he is renowned. Despite Al-Ittihad trailing by a goal in the first half, the French star had other ideas. In the 35th minute, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass to his teammate, striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, who scored the equalizer. But that wasn't all. In the 55th minute, Benzema unleashed a thunderous, curling shot from outside the penalty area, which nestled into the top right corner of the Tunisian goalkeeper's net, securing the winning goal. Critics described the goal as "world-class," highlighting Benzema's ability to capitalize on even the slightest opportunities.
Benzema's impact in this match went far beyond simply scoring a goal and assisting another. He was a dynamic attacking force, intelligently moving between the lines, drawing defenders out of position, and creating space for his teammates. His statistics reflected this impact, with his high passing accuracy and his crucial role in building attacks and linking the midfield and forward lines. This performance not only secured Al-Ittihad three valuable points at the start of their campaign but also sent a clear message to their domestic and continental rivals that the club possesses a lethal weapon capable of changing the course of any match, confirming that acquiring world-class stars is not merely a marketing ploy but a genuine investment in on-field quality.
