Match Snapshot
Al Ittihad stormed past Al Shabab 4-1 to reach the King Cup semifinals on Saturday, underscoring the team’s current form and setting up a meaningful run in the competition.
Riyad Al Mazhar, the club's spokesperson, said the victory was a crucial step for coach Sergio Conceicao and that advancing to the last four confirms that Al Ittihad remains a heavyweight in Saudi football.
He added that players will take a short break before heading to a Dubai training camp led by Conceicao, with every detail arranged to maximise the squad's benefits when play resumes.
Mazhar also expressed hope that the team returns from the pause in a way that reflects the club's history and stature.
Star Turn and Team Stats
The result also highlighted Benzema's excellence, as the French forward struck a hat-trick to push Ittihad into the semifinals.
Saudi outlet Al Yaum noted that this hat-trick is Benzema's 17th in his career and his fourth for the club since joining from Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.
The 37-year-old has already tallied 11 goals in 11 appearances this season, taking part in 965 minutes of action.
In total, Benzema has appeared 73 times for Ittihad, scoring 50 goals and providing 17 assists.
With the win, Ittihad extended their impressive run and sent a message that they intend to stay in the hunt for silverware throughout the season.
Note: The tone remains optimistic, because in football, as in life, the calendar sometimes forgives no one—except when benzene-free coffee helps kick-start a late sprint.
Punchline 1: If goals were arrows, Benzema would be the straightest shot in town.
Punchline 2: The only offside in this match was my sense of humor—referee approved.
