Karim Benzema Scores Twice But Al-Ittihad Falls 4-2 to Al-Duhail in AFC Champions League

Karim Benzema showcased his scoring prowess with a brace, but it wasn’t enough as Al-Ittihad suffered a 4-2 defeat to Al-Duhail of Qatar in the Asian Champions League Elite on Monday. Despite Benzema’s heroics, Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian champions, are now facing mounting pressure in the continental tournament after losing three of their five group-stage matches.

Match Overview: Al-Duhail Takes Control

The clash, which took place in the western zone group stage of the ACL Elite, highlighted the gulf in finishing and defensive organization between the two sides. Algerian forward Adil Boulbina was the star for Al-Duhail, netting a hat trick to effectively seal the match. Boulbina scored twice in the first half, giving Al-Duhail a commanding 2-0 lead, and added a third goal just seven minutes after the restart, leaving Al-Ittihad reeling.

Polish forward Krzysztof Piatek then made it 4-0 in the 74th minute, further extending the visitors’ advantage before Benzema managed to pull two goals back for Al-Ittihad. Benzema’s strikes demonstrated his individual brilliance and ability to influence the game even when his team was under intense pressure. However, it was too little, too late, as Al-Duhail held on to claim a convincing win.

Al-Ittihad’s ACL Struggles Continue

Al-Ittihad’s defeat marks their third loss in five games in the continental competition. With the top eight teams from the 12-team western zone advancing to the knockout stage, the Saudi giants now face a tough task to secure qualification. Their inconsistent form raises questions about defensive stability, midfield creativity, and the team’s ability to capitalize on star performances from players like Benzema.

Despite their loss, the presence of a player of Benzema’s caliber remains invaluable. His ability to score under pressure and create opportunities for teammates highlights why clubs invest in elite talent for continental competitions. Still, football is ultimately a team sport, and Al-Ittihad’s collective lapses proved costly against a clinical Al-Duhail side.

Al-Duhail Dominates

Al-Duhail’s performance in Jeddah was a masterclass in clinical finishing and tactical execution. Adil Boulbina, already a standout performer in the Qatari league, showed remarkable composure and intelligence in front of goal. The timing of his goals—two in the first half and one shortly after the restart—demonstrated not only skill but also the ability to exploit defensive weaknesses at critical moments.

Krzysztof Piatek’s late goal capped off a dominant display for Al-Duhail, signaling that the Qatari club remains a formidable contender in the ACL. Their performance emphasized the importance of defensive organization, quick transitions, and capitalizing on mistakes from the opposition—areas where Al-Ittihad fell short.

Other Key ACL Western Zone Matches

While Al-Ittihad was struggling, Al-Ahli Jeddah, another Saudi side and city rival, also faced disappointment. They lost 1-0 at home to Al-Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates. Ousmane Camara scored the lone goal in the 81st minute, securing a vital victory for the visitors.

Al-Ahli, the defending champions, nearly salvaged a point in the dying moments, but Ziyad Al-Johani’s would-be equalizer was ruled out for offside in the 90th minute. This result underscores the competitive nature of the ACL Western Zone, where even top Saudi sides face stiff challenges from clubs across the Gulf region.

In other fixtures, Tractor of Iran maintained momentum with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan’s Nasaf Qarshi, moving them into second place behind Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli Dubai defeated Qatar’s Al-Gharafa 2-0, asserting their credentials in the ongoing campaign.

Implications for Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad now finds itself in a precarious position in the group stage. With only five matches played and the knockout qualification threshold looming, they must recover quickly. Defensively, the team needs better organization to prevent conceding early goals, while the midfield must maintain possession and create more consistent attacking opportunities.

Benzema’s individual brilliance can win matches, but as seen against Al-Duhail, it cannot compensate for collective defensive shortcomings. The Saudi club’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can still advance to the knockout rounds. Every point now matters, and Al-Ittihad cannot afford further slip-ups.

Benzema’s Impact and Performance

Karim Benzema’s performance was a silver lining for Al-Ittihad. The former Real Madrid star’s two-goal haul reminded fans of his exceptional talent and poise under pressure. His movement off the ball, positioning inside the box, and finishing instincts were top-class, showcasing why he remains one of the most lethal forwards in modern football.

Yet, Benzema’s efforts were largely isolated. Al-Ittihad’s midfield and defense struggled to provide adequate support, allowing Al-Duhail to dominate possession and exploit defensive gaps. Analysts suggest that integrating Benzema more effectively into team play, with structured build-up and pressing, could improve the club’s chances in future ACL matches.

Looking Ahead

Al-Ittihad will now need to regroup and focus on the remaining fixtures in the ACL Western Zone. Matches against mid-tier sides will be pivotal for securing points and improving goal difference. The team’s coaching staff must address defensive lapses, enhance tactical cohesion, and find ways to leverage Benzema’s abilities more strategically.

For Al-Duhail, the victory solidifies their credentials as serious contenders in the continental competition. Maintaining momentum and consistency in their remaining matches could see them progress comfortably to the knockout phase.

Conclusion

The 4-2 loss to Al-Duhail serves as a stark reminder for Al-Ittihad that even with a superstar like Karim Benzema, football is ultimately a team sport. Defensive errors, lack of cohesion, and missed opportunities can outweigh individual brilliance. As the Asian Champions League Elite progresses, Saudi clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli must refine their strategies, improve teamwork, and remain vigilant to stay competitive against formidable regional rivals.

Fans can only hope that Benzema’s influence can help turn the tide in the remaining matches, but the clock is ticking for Al-Ittihad as the pressure of continental football mounts.

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