Karim Benzema and Houssem Aouar delivered a masterclass in the Saudi Kings Cup final on Friday night, leading Al-Ittihad to a 3-1 victory over Al-Qadsiah and securing their 10th title in the competition. The win capped off a remarkable domestic double for the Tigers, who recently claimed the Saudi Pro League title after a difficult previous season.
Benzema: The King of Finals
The 37-year-old French striker, Benzema, once again proved his pedigree in high-stakes matches. He opened the scoring with a clever finish, connecting with a chested pass from compatriot Moussa Diaby (25). Benzema wasn’t done there, he sealed the victory with a late goal, his second of the night, showcasing why he is renowned for his clutch performances. His legacy in finals was built during his time at Real Madrid, where he won five UEFA Champions League titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and multiple Club World Cups. Now, he’s replicating that success in Saudi Arabia.
Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar (26) played a pivotal role, heading in the second goal after Al-Qadsiah’s goalkeeper parried a Benzema effort. Despite a brief fightback from Al-Qadsiah, thanks to a penalty from Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (35), Al-Ittihad remained dominant, mirroring their league form. Aouar’s aggressive play even led to an opponent’s red card, further tilting the match in Al-Ittihad’s favor.
Both Benzema and Aouar endured tough debut seasons with Al-Ittihad, Benzema struggled to lift trophies, while Aouar faced challenges during his stint at AS Roma. However, this season has been a resurgence for the pair. Benzema, named the league’s best player, thrived alongside Aouar, whose decisive contributions in key matches were instrumental in Al-Ittihad’s domestic dominance.
This double triumph signals Al-Ittihad’s return as a powerhouse in Saudi football. After a trophyless 2023-24 campaign, the Tigers have roared back, with Benzema and Aouar at the heart of their revival. With such form, Al-Ittihad will aim to carry this momentum into next season, both domestically and on the continental stage.
