DAMMAM — Al-Ittihad delivered a commanding performance, routing hosts Al-Ettifaq 4-0 in the final match of Round 12 of the Saudi Pro League, solidifying their position at the top of the league standings. Building on their rise to the summit last week, following a victory against Al-Fateh and Al-Hilal's loss to Al-Khaleej, Al-Ittihad now boasts 33 points. The emphatic win comes just a week ahead of their highly anticipated clash against Al-Nassr before the extended league break. French star Karim Benzema made a triumphant return after an injury layoff, contributing a goal and three assists in the victory. Benzema initially found the back of the net early in the game, but his goal was disallowed for offside. However, he set up fellow Frenchman N'Golo Kanté to score the opener in the 35th minute. Benzema doubled Al-Ittihad's lead in the 53rd minute before delivering a precise cross to Steven Bergwijn, who assisted Houssem Aouar for the third goal just after the hour mark. Benzema capped his stellar performance with another assist, setting up Bergwijn to net Al-Ittihad's fourth goal in the 70th minute. Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, struggled despite attempting 17 shots, with only five on target. The team's winless streak in the league extended to nine matches, leaving them in 13th place with 12 points.
