JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Karim Benzema’s second-half strike was enough to give Al-Ittihad a 1-0 win over Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, placing the Saudi title holders within sight of the Asian Champions League Elite knockout round.
The French striker volleyed home from close range at the far post after 57 minutes, meeting a cross from Portuguese winger Roger Fernandes.
The victory moved Al-Ittihad to sixth place in the 12-team Western group. With the top eight from the East and West advancing to the round of 16, a win against Qatar’s Al-Gharafa in the next match would clinch advancement for the two-time champion.
Elsewhere, Roberto Mancini delivered Al-Sadd’s first win in dramatic fashion.
Trailing 2-1 to Al-Ahli Dubai after 90 minutes, the Qatar club scored three goals in stoppage time to win 4-2, with Spanish striker Rafa Mujica completing his hat trick, and keep faint hopes of advancing alive.
Benzema’s goal propels Al-Ittihad to victory in Asian Champions League
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Benzema’s goal propels Al-Ittihad to victory in Asian Champions League
- The victory moved Al-Ittihad to sixth place in the 12-team Western group
Atletico Madrid striker Sorloth taken to hospital after clash of heads
- Atletico said Sorloth endured head trauma and was taken to a hospital
- The 30-year-old Sorloth has 10 goals across all competitions
VALENCIA: Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth was taken to a hospital after he knocked heads with a Levante player in a La Liga game on Saturday, the club said.
Sorloth, a Norway player, collided with Levante defender Matías Moreno while disputing a ball in the 27th minute of the scoreless draw. Both were substituted immediately.
Atletico said Sorloth endured head trauma and was taken to a hospital in Valencia for medical tests.
Levante did not immediately report on Moreno’s status.
The 30-year-old Sorloth has 10 goals across all competitions for Atletico this season. They are in third place in La Liga and will face Club Brugge in a Champions League playoff next month.
He also helped Norway qualify for the World Cup in North America.
