Karim Benzema had not scored since December 15 and a defeat with Al-Ittihad against Al-Ahly in the Club World Cup. The French Ballon d'Or had suffered a series of physical problems (thigh, back) and encountered problems with the management.
It is now ancient history since the former Blues striker scored his sixteenth goal of the season, the first in 2024, in the first minute of play, allowing his club to qualify (2-1) for the final of Saudi Arabia Super Cup.