Benzema Sparks Al Ittihad’s Frontline Against Ettifaq in Saudi Pro League Clash
16 January 2026
Match Preview
Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição, head coach of Al Ittihad, has revealed the starting lineup for the western club as they prepare to face Ettifaq on Friday evening. The game will be played at the Al-Inma Stadium, in the 16th round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League for the 2025-26 season. In the XI, Frenchman Karim Benzema is included after he left the Tigers' previous match against Damac with an injury.
Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Raikovic
Defense: Danilo Pereira, Ahmed Sharahili, Hassan Kadish, Mohannad Al-Shanqeiti
Midfield: Mohammed Doumbia, Kanté, Steven Bergwijn
Forward: Roger Fernandes, Moussa Diaby, Karim Benzema
Al Ittihad sits sixth in the Roshen Saudi Pro League with 27 points, five behind Ettifaq in seventh with 22.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Benzema’s inclusion comes after he left the previous match against Damac due to injury, but he is back to spearhead the attack.
Punchline 1: Benzema shoots so precisely that even the net files a complaint for unfair targeting.
Punchline 2: If timing is everything in comedy and football, Benzema’s line is scheduled for a blockbuster release.
