'We're sad' - Benzema reacts to Clasico loss, Al Hilal's Theo targets title

Karim Benzema summed up Al Ittihad’s disappointment in their defeat in the Saudi Clasico, but urged the Roshn Saudi League champions to move on quickly from the loss.

The title-holders were beaten 2-0 by Al Hilal at a packed Alinma Stadium on Friday night, when a Mahamadou Doumbia own goal and a Marcos Leonardo tap-in from a Hamed Al Shanqiti error either side of half-time proved decisive.

The victory moved 2023-24 RSL winners Al Hilal to third in the table, one point off Riyadh rivals Al Nassr, who round off Matchweek 6 at Al Hazem on Saturday night.

For Al Ittihad, though, a third successive league match without a win means they sit in seventh, five points off the summit.

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Speaking after the defeat in Jeddah, Al Ittihad captain Benzema said: “[Al Hilal were] not better, but they scored so they win the game [and] we lose. We are sad, so we need to focus on the next one.

“We tried [to get back into the game] but were not too good. We need to work together.”

Al Ittihad, with new manager Sergio Conceicao taking charge of only his second RSL match, are next in action on Tuesday, when they make the trip to the capital to face Al Nassr in the King’s Cup. Even as holders, Benzema acknowledged the size of the challenge that lies ahead at Al Awwal Park.

“It's a good game; it’s a tough game," he said. "If you win you continue, you lose it’s finished, so we prefer to win. So, we need to prepare well for this game because it’s going to be a good game against a very good team.

"And that’s it. We can do it and, Inshallah, we do it.”

Al Hilal, meanwhile, are beginning to find their feet under manager Simone Inzaghi. They are unbeaten in 10 matches this season in all competitions, reeling off three straight wins in the RSL - and six across all competitions.

“We knew Al Ittihad were a team that liked to play, that were dangerous, but we did a great job as a team,” full-back Theo Hernandez said. “I also think we could have scored more than two goals - we had a few more chances. But I'm very happy with the team's work.”

A summer signing from AC Milan, Hernandez was playing against Conceicao, his manager at the Serie A club during the latter half of last season.

“Yes, I spent six months with him in Milan,” Hernandez said. “I wish him all the best here and nothing more.”

Asked about what he could promise Al Hilal supporters starting to believe in this campaign, the France international said: “Above all, to thank the fans of Hilal, who are always with us. We saw the atmosphere that was behind us today. 

“We are going to work hard to win titles - which is what we want - and make all the fans of Al Hilal happy.”