Benzema brace settles King's Cup to seal dazzling double for Al Ittihad | OneFootball

Roshn Saudi Legue champions Al Ittihad concluded their 2024-25 season on a high on Friday night, when captain Karim Benzema inspired them to success in the King’s Cup final.

The Jeddah side, who captured the RSL title with three rounds to spare, triumphed 3-1 against Al Qadsiah at a packed Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, Benzema both opening and closing the scoring.

Fresh from a glittering RSL trophy ceremony at the same venue on Monday, Al Ittihad landed the first blow four days later, when on 34 minutes Benzema met Steven Bergwijn’s cross from the right to brilliantly chest home.

In his second campaign at the club, Benzema was on Wednesday named the 2024-25 RSL Player of the Season at the inaugural Saudi Pro League Season Awards. His 30 goal contributions – 21 goals, nine assists – represented the joint-best in the league.

Two minutes before half-time, Al Ittihad were 2-0 up. This time, Moussa Diaby chipped a cross to the back post, where Benzema headed goalwards only for Koen Casteels – the 2024-25 Best Goalkeeper – to parry. However, Houssem Aouar was on hand to nod in the rebound.

Still, there was time in the first half for another goal. At the other end, Al Qadsiah playmaker Cameron Puertas was felled in the Al Ittihad penalty area, leaving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to convert from the spot and half the deficit.

Like Aouar, the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker has enjoyed a superb debut season in the RSL, scoring 17 goals. Al Qadsiah’s hopes of a comeback, though, received a hammer blow late on, when midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Houssem Aouar celebrates another crucial contribution to Al Ittihad with goal in King's Cup final

Yet, rather appropriately, the final say for the season was left to Benzema, who latched onto Diaby’s cut-back in injury-time to place home and seal Al Ittihad’s dazzling double.

The King’s Cup takes pride of place beside the RSL trophy.