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Benzema nets record goal to help send Al Ittihad to Super Cup final

Al Ittihad's Karim Benzema scored the fastest goal in Saudi Super Cup history to help secure a 2-1 win over Al Wehda in Abu Dhabi on Monday and a place in the final.

They will play Al Hilal in the final after the Saudi Pro League leaders eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr from the Cup in Monday's other semifinal.

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Benzema pounced on a poor clearance to fire home from close range after 55 seconds and break Al Fateh striker Doris Salomo Fuakuputu's record set in the first final in 2013.

It was the France striker's first goal of 2024 in what has been a frustrating season in Saudi Arabia that has been marred by injury and a lack of production. Benzema has just nine goals in 20 SPL games so far.

Abderrazzak Hamedallah doubled the advantage with a tap-in following a cross from Romarinho after 42 minutes.

Hussain Ahmed Al Issa got a consolation goal for Al Wehda in the dying seconds after Morocco midfielder Faycal Fajr's penalty miss in the 91st.

Al Ittihad coach Marcelo Gallardo will be looking to lift his first title for the club in Thursday's final.

Salem Aldawsari and Malcolm scored in the second half for Al Hilal in their win against Al Nassr. Sadio Mane scored a consolation goal for Al Nassr and Ronaldo was sent off with a red card late in the match.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.