On May 30, 2025, Al-Ittihad FC won 3–1 against Al-Qadsiah FC in the King’s Cup Final. The match was played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Al-Ittihad played very well and showed great skill. Karim Benzema was the star of the game, scoring two goals.
This big game had famous players from Europe and young stars from the Gulf. It showed how the Saudi Pro League is growing and becoming popular around the world.
Match Overview
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Qadsiah
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Date: May 30, 2025
Event: King’s Cup Final
Final Score: Al-Ittihad 3 – 1 Al-Qadsiah
Goal Timeline & Key Moments
34’ | Benzema Strikes First:
Steven Bergwijn passed the ball to Benzema. He scored the first goal with a great shot.
43’ | Houssem Aouar Doubles the Lead:
Aouar scored the second goal for Al-Ittihad with a smart and accurate shot.
45+6’ | Aubameyang Converts from the Spot:
Al-Qadsiah got a penalty after a VAR check. Aubameyang scored calmly from the penalty spot.
90+4’ | Benzema Seals the Win:
Moussa Diaby passed to Benzema, who scored again in extra time. This goal ended Al-Qadsiah’s chance to come back.
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VAR Decisions & Tactical Substitutions
VAR Drama:
- 31’ | No Penalty for Al-Ittihad:
The referee checked a possible foul but did not give a penalty. - 45+4’ | Penalty for Al-Qadsiah:
VAR showed there was contact in the box. Al-Qadsiah got a penalty and scored.
Substitutions:
- Al-Ittihad: Abdulrahman Al-Obud came in to add speed to the team.
- Al-Qadsiah: Hamad Al-Monassar and Abdullah Al-Othman came in to change the team’s plan.
Player Highlights
Stars of the Saudi Final
Karim Benzema – Man of the Match
- Goals: 2
- Impact: He showed great skill, good leadership, and perfect timing.
- The former Real Madrid star continues to help Saudi football grow.
Houssem Aouar – Midfield Maestro
- Goal: 1
- He controlled the game from midfield and made smart passes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Qadsiah’s Spark
- Goal: 1 (Penalty)
- He stayed calm and scored the penalty easily, showing his experience.
Tactical Breakdown
Why Al-Ittihad Dominated
- Strong Midfield: Aouar and Kante helped keep control and stopped Al-Qadsiah from pressing.
- Fast Attacks: Diaby and Bergwijn made quick moves forward, helping the team create chances.
- Solid Defense: Al-Ittihad’s defense stayed strong. Even after the penalty, they didn’t let Al-Qadsiah score again. Goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe also played well.
The Bigger Picture: European Stars Fuel Saudi Football’s Rise
Big names like Benzema and Aubameyang are now playing in Saudi Arabia. These players are making the league better and more exciting. This match showed how serious Saudi Arabia is about becoming a top football country. With more events like this, the country is getting ready to host big world tournaments in the future.
Conclusion
Al-Ittihad’s Crown Moment in Jeddah
Al-Ittihad won the King’s Cup with a 3–1 victory over Al-Qadsiah. The team played with top-level skills and used their famous players well. This match was exciting and had everything—great goals, VAR decisions, and strong emotions. It was a special moment for Saudi football and a proud day for Al-Ittihad in Jeddah.