Karim Benzema’s substitution creates early Al Hilal tension before quick resolution

Karim Benzema became involved in Al Hilal’s first internal dispute of the new season after reacting angrily to his substitution during their Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Faisaly.

Al Hilal faced newly promoted Al-Faisaly on Friday evening at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in the opening round of the competition. The match marked the start of the new Saudi Pro League campaign, but the main talking point came in the 70th minute when head coach Simone Inzaghi decided to take Benzema off.

The Italian manager replaced the French striker with Ivory Coast forward Mohamed Kader Meite, a decision which reportedly left Benzema frustrated.

Saudi journalist Nawaf Al-Oqail said Benzema’s reaction created tension on the Al Hilal bench. Video footage appeared to show the former France international speaking with one of Inzaghi’s assistants about the decision to remove him from the game.

The disagreement was short-lived, however. After the final whistle, Benzema shook hands with Inzaghi and embraced the Al Hilal manager, bringing the incident to a swift conclusion after the club secured its first victory of the new season.

Benzema had already played a decisive role in the match by scoring Al Hilal’s opening goal of the campaign. He converted a penalty to put his side ahead against Al-Faisaly.

His goal continued an impressive individual record since he joined Al Hilal during the previous winter transfer window. The French forward has made 14 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists.

The incident with Inzaghi therefore ended without a prolonged dispute, with the post-match handshake and embrace appearing to signal that the matter had been settled immediately.

Nevertheless, the substitution provided the first moment of tension around Al Hilal this season. Benzema’s importance to the team was underlined by his contribution to the opening goal, while his reaction to being taken off briefly placed the spotlight on the relationship between the experienced striker and his new manager.

Al Hilal’s victory allowed the club to begin the campaign positively, while Benzema’s return to a public show of unity with Inzaghi ensured that the disagreement did not overshadow the result.