Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad secured advancement from the first round of the Club World Cup with a resounding 3-0 triumph against Auckland City on Tuesday. The Saudi Pro League champions, playing in front of a capacity crowd in Jeddah, demonstrated their prowess against Auckland City, the victors of the OFC Champions League.
Al Ittihad wasted no time in asserting dominance as Brazilian Romarinho, N'Golo Kante, and the prolific Karim Benzema all found the net in the first half. The comprehensive victory secured their team's place in the second round, setting the stage for a showdown against Al Ahly of Egypt on Friday.
The full house in Jeddah provided a fervent backdrop for Al Ittihad's performance, and their convincing win showcased the team's readiness for the challenges of the Club World Cup. The trio of goal-scorers played instrumental roles in the triumph, underscoring the diverse attacking prowess within the Al Ittihad lineup.
As the Club World Cup unfolds, Al Ittihad's statement win in the opening round positions them as contenders to watch in the tournament. The upcoming clash against Al Ahly promises to be a competitive encounter, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the next stage of the prestigious tournament.
Benzema, a familiar face from his illustrious career with Real Madrid, continues to make a significant impact for Al Ittihad, adding to the team's aspirations on the global stage. The success against Auckland City marks a promising start for Al Ittihad's Club World Cup campaign, leaving fans eager to witness their further exploits in the competition.