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Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema returns to play in Spain
Al Ittihad’s Benzema was in Elche after returning to Spain for the first time since leaving Madrid, with whom he won five Champions Leagues.
Ballon d’Or winning striker Karim Benzema only left Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, but in some ways, it feels like a lifetime ago. On Saturday, the Frenchman played in Spain for the first time in 412 days, when he last turned out for Los Blancos against Athletic Club de Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu (on June 4, 2023).
Why was Real Madrid legend Benzema back in Spain?
His Al Ittihad team were beaten by Elche in a preseason friendly at Estadi Olímpic Camilo Cano, a stadium in La Nucía which holds only 5,000 fans. Since last week, Benzema and Al Ittihad have been preparing for the new season in Benidorm, a Spanish coastal town popular with tourists.
As well as facing Elche, the 36-year-old will also renew acquaintances with old foes Sevilla (July 26) and Real Betis (August 3). Since leaving for Saudi Arabia last June, Benzema hadn’t returned to Spain until now.
Benzema, Fabinho and Kanté now managed by Laurent Blanc
The forward, who won 25 trophies (including five Champions Leagues) with Real Madrid in 14 seasons, was the headline act of Saturday’s game against Elche, who made only 300 tickets available to season ticket holders. However, a number of Madrid fans also turned up to see their ex-star, who captained Al Ittihad but was unable to stop them from slumping to a 2-0 defeat to the Spanish second-tier team.
Benzema’s compatriot Laurent Blanc took charge of Al Ittihad for the first time since being appointed as the replacement for Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, who left the club at the start of July.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was also involved, although N’Golo Kanté didn’t play as he is still on holiday after reaching the Euro 2024 semifinals with France.