Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad netted the quickest goal in the history of the Saudi Super Cup, leading to a 2-1 victory against Al Wehda in Abu Dhabi on Monday, securing their spot in the championship match.
Their opponent in the final will be Al Hilal, who ousted Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in another semifinal clash on the same day.
Benzema capitalized on a defensive error, scoring from close distance just 55 seconds into the game, surpassing the previous record held by Al Fateh’s Doris Salomo Fuakuputu since the inaugural final in 2013.
This marked Benzema’s inaugural goal in 2024, amidst a challenging season in Saudi Arabia, hindered by injuries and limited goal scoring, with only nine goals in 20 league matches.
Abderrazzak Hamedallah extended Al Ittihad’s lead to 2-0 with a goal at the 42-minute mark, following an assist from Romarinho.
Al Wehda managed to score a late goal as a consolation through Hussain Ahmed Al Issa, after a missed penalty by Faycal Fajr of Morocco in the 91st minute.
Marcelo Gallardo, Al Ittihad’s coach, aims for his first trophy with the club in the upcoming final on Thursday. In the match that determined their final opponent, Al Hilal defeated Al Nassr, with Salem Aldawsari and Malcolm finding the net for Al Hilal.
Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane scored late in the game, and Ronaldo was dismissed with a red card towards the end.
