Benzema’s Historic Milestone as Conceicao Sparks a New Era in Saudi Clash

The Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh match, played Friday night in the ninth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, delivered a host of memorable moments and eye-catching numbers.

Al-Ittihad earned a precious 2-1 victory, lifting their points to 14 and moving up to seventh in the standings.

Benzema's Historic Milestone

Benzema makes history. The French star, captain of Al-Ittihad, reached 50 scoring contributions in the Saudi league.

He reached this historic figure after finding the net against Al-Riyadh in the 24th minute of the first half, with a well-placed header from a cross by Mousa Diaby.

Benzema logged 34 goals and 16 assists in 56 league games in Saudi.

He earned the Man of the Match award, playing 78 minutes.

This milestone came in roughly two and a half seasons after joining Al-Ittihad in summer 2023, following the end of his Real Madrid contract, which spanned 14 years; he sought a fresh challenge beyond Europe.

He also aims to defend the league title and the King’s Cup, after contributing to both last season.

Conceiçao's Revival and the Road Ahead

Conceicao regains his spark. The Portuguese coach led Al-Ittihad to their first league win of the season after four matches without a win, drawing 1-1 with Al-Fayha, 4-4 with Al-Khaleej, and losing to Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli 1-0.

Conceicao took charge in the first half of last month, replacing Laurent Blanc, facing criticism for the lack of early victories, but rediscovered form and showed he can steer the ship.

He led Al-Ittihad to the King’s Cup quarterfinal with a 2-1 win over Al-Nassr, and chalked up back-to-back wins in the AFC Champions League, raising fans’ expectations.

Tough challenges. This is Conceicao’s first season with a club of such history, with heavy expectations from fans and from management, and a schedule that requires smart management.

Since the start, Conceicao knew the league is fiercely contested, and big clubs invest strongly; every point may prove decisive.

The club faces heavy pressure after a difficult previous season, requiring the coach to tighten defense, sharpen the attack, and stabilize performance across the campaign.

In the King’s Cup, a single exit could erase months of work, so Conceicao prepares the players with careful, calculated steps for high-pressure matches.

Winning the Cup could be a turning point, boosting the mood of fans and the board.

The continental challenge, the AFC Champions League, is a competition Al-Ittihad loves and wants their supporters to see them back at the top, testing the team’s character and the coach’s ability to compete under pressure.

Between these three competitions, Conceicao faces one of his hardest seasons, with possible injuries, a crowded calendar, and a demanding fan base, pushing the coach to build a team capable of restoring the club’s prestige.

It’s a complex journey, but a big opportunity for the Portuguese coach to write a fresh chapter in the club’s history, a chapter titled: Al-Ittihad’s return to the summit.

Last season, Benzema added to his legacy by delivering decisive goals in key fixtures, while Conceicao’s system balanced stout defense with dynamic attacking moves.

The Al-Ittihad supporters filled the stands as Benzema rose to meet Diaby's cross, guiding a header home and signaling a growing chemistry between forwards and playmakers.

Analysts believe the duo gives the club a realistic shot at reclaiming prestige in both the domestic league and Asia's elite competition.

With four domestic titles across the last two seasons, expectations remain sky-high, and the coach has no time to waste turning potential into trophies.

Bottom line: expect more fireworks as the season unfolds.

Punchline: If Benzema keeps lighting up the scoreboard, even the ball will start clapping.

Punchline 2: The championship might need sunglasses to handle this shine.