Hernandez talks building with Benzema and Al Ittihad on brink of glory | OneFootball

Unai Hernandez may have been in the Roshn Saudi League for only a matter of months, but he understands the significance of Thursday’s match at Al Raed.

The Spanish starlet, signed during the winter window from FC Barcelona, was pivotal to the RSL leaders’ victory against Al Fayha five days before a possible date with destiny.

It was there, at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, that Hernandez helped send Al Ittihad on their way, his 24th-minute assist teeing up captain Karim Benzema to open the scoring.

Eventually winning 3-0, Al Ittihad ended Matchweek 31 with a six-point advantage at the summit. They concluded the round knowing, too, that one more victory from their final three fixtures would be enough to seal the RSL title.

Hernandez, 20, was one of the many positives to come from the Al Fayha encounter. Indeed, and merely six matches into his RSL career, the midfielder is developing a clear connection with his teammates. And, especially, his venerated captain.

"The more we train together, the more I play together with Karim and my teammates, we have a better chemistry and understand each other better,” Hernandez said. “I am very happy to help the team with my assist.”

Watching Hernandez and Benzema celebrate, you could not help but notice the contrasting statures. Benzema, perhaps as much because of his reputation as his physicality, looks built for elite-level professional football.

At 5 foot 7 inches, and of course at the beginning of what he and Al Ittihad envision will be another considerable career, Hernandez still has some filling out to do.

Rest assured, though, he is working on it.

“One of the things I had to improve was my physique,” he said. “I came here a bit skinny, with little strength, and now I'm a bit bigger. It's simply been daily work, both at home and at the club, and I'm going to keep it up.”

Maintain his impact on the pitch and, come Thursday, Al Ittihad might well be celebrating a second RSL crown in three campaigns.

“We are almost there,” Hernandez said. “We are already thinking about the next match, so we can become champions."