Karim Benzema expressed a mix of relief and satisfaction after Al Ittihad Club edged PFC Nasaf 1-0 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26.
Karim Benzema expressed a mix of relief and satisfaction after Al Ittihad Club edged PFC Nasaf 1-0 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/26.
The Saudi Arabian side controlled large spells of the match but was forced to wait as the visitors organised themselves well at the back and limited clear openings.
The decisive moment arrived after the interval when Benzema finally found a way through, securing victory and moving Al Ittihad onto nine points while ending Nasaf’s chances of reaching the Round of 16.
Benzema admitted the challenge was demanding, stressing that his team was aware of both the difficulty and the importance of the fixture.
He noted that numerous opportunities were created, but not all were taken, highlighting the resistance offered by the Uzbekistan-based side.
Despite that, the striker underlined the value of earning maximum points at home, adding that continued hard work would eventually be rewarded.
Head coach Sergio Conceicao praised his players for their approach, pointing out that the result was particularly important following a month-long pause in competitive action.
He acknowledged that the scoreline could have been more comfortable but said the volume of chances, including 31 deliveries into the box, demonstrated positive attacking intent.
On the other bench, Nasaf coach Ruzikul Berdiev voiced disappointment, feeling his disciplined team performance deserved a more favourable outcome despite leaving Jeddah empty-handed.
Nasaf will next meet Al Shorta of Iraq and UAE side Sharjah FC when the competition resumes in February, while Al Ittihad will look to confirm qualification against Qatar’s Al Gharafa SC and Al Sadd SC.
