Karim Benzema scored his first Saudi Pro League goal as Al-Ittihad thrashed Al-Riyadh 4-0 on Thursday.<br /><br />The Real Madrid legend joined the Saudi champions after penning a three-year deal worth £258million this summer and helped his side cruise to victory by opening the scoring in the 17th minute.<br /><br />After starting the attack with a run from the halfway line, Benzema later picked up the ball close to the penalty spot and coolly slotted his strike past Al-Riyadh goalkeeper Martin Campagna.<br /><br />Benzema started alongside former Premier League stars Fabinho and N'Golo Kante, who also opted to join the Saudi Pro League on lucrative contracts this summer. <br /><br />Moroccan midfielder Abderrazak Hamdallah doubled Al-Ittihad's lead from the penalty spot before making it three on the cusp of half-time.<br /><br />Substitute Saleh Al-Amri put the game to bed in the 93rd minute with a fourth goal, keeping Al-Ittihad at the top of the league ahead of Al-Ahli on goal difference.<br /><br />Al-Ittihad sought to play down rumors of tension between Benzema and manager Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of the clash.<br /><br />A report claimed that Santo told the Al-Ittihad board that Benzema didn't fit his style of play and that he didn't ask for him to be signed.<br /><br />It was also suggested that Benzema isn't comfortable at Al-Ittihad and that he could secure an early exit from the club.<br /><br />Al-Ittihad responded by posting a short video of Benzema, including the caption 'KB9 always happy'. They also posted a video on Snapchat of Benzema and Santo talking during a training session.<br /><br />Santo also decided against naming Benzema as captain, with Romarinho given the armband instead. <br /><br />Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad has expressed interest in signing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, but Mail Sport reported on Thursday evening that the Reds are adamant he is not for sale.<br /><br />The move would make Salah the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League, ahead of Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who is on £175million per season. <br /><br />With the defeat, Al-Riyadh dropped to ninth in the Saudi Pro League table.
