- Benzema scored first SPL goal
- Wore captain's armband
- Reports of tension with manager
WHAT HAPPENED? Following reports that coach Nuno had told the Ittihad board that Benzema did not fit his style and that he had not requested his signing, Benzema put on a show on Thursday. The reporting also claimed that he had requested the captain's armband but was denied, though he wore it as he stroked in a beautiful finish against Al-Riyadh.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Benzema had drawn a blank in his first two games in the Saudi Pro League, so this was his first goal for the club in the division.
WHAT NEXT? It remains to be seen if there is still tension between the two, but if Benzema keeps scoring goals like this, that feels unlikely.