Karim Benzema missed a penalty as Al-Ittihad were knocked out of the Club World Cup by Egypt’s Al-Ahly, who cruised to a 3-1 victory in Jeddah.
Al-Ahly broke the deadlock in the 21st minute from the penalty spot after a handball by Al-Ittihad defender Hassan Kadesh. Left-back Ali Maâloul converted the penalty, but Al-Ittihad quickly earned their own spot-kick for handball. Benzema failed to score, however, his attempt brilliantly saved by Mohamed El Shenawy.
Marcelo Gallardo’s team fell further behind when Hussein El Shahat collected Kahraba’s pass and curled the ball into the net just before the hour mark. Kahraba then set up Emam Ashour to get the third goal from a quick counterattack.
Benzema scored a last-minute consolation, moments after substitute Anthony Modeste had been sent off for Al-Ahly, who will now face the Copa Libertadores winners, Fluminense, in the semi-finals on Monday.
Al-Ittihad, who earned a place in the Saudi-hosted tournament as the national champions, were well beaten despite including Benzema, N’Golo Kanté and Fabinho in their lineup. The big-spending side are fourth in the Saudi league, 19 points behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal.
Source: The Guardian/Reuters