Saudi champions Al-Ittihad crashed out of the Club World Cup with a whimper after a 3-0 drubbing against Ah-Ahly in their own back yard.
Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and Fabinho went into the second round clash with high hopes but were stunned by the Egyptian outfit - and the ex-Real Madrid striker missed a penalty.
Any inspiration from the trio's six Club World Cup trophies between them - it could have been seven were Fabinho not injured for Liverpool's 2019 triumph - was invisible.
Al-Ittihad fans were emptying their own stadium as early as 67 minutes into the ignominous defeat at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
Ah-Ahly went 1-0 up after 20 minutes when Ali Maaloul scored a penalty.
Benzema had the chance to restore parity on the brink of half-time but could not convert from the penalty spot.
The Egyptians doubled their advantage after 59 minutes when Hussein Al Sharat jinked in from the left side of the box and curled the ball into the far corner.
And Saudi fans started emptying the ground when Emam Ashour grabbed a third three minutes later.
Ex-Blackburn and Bundesliga man Anthony Modeste, now at Al-Ahly, came on as a late sub but was sent off minutes later for an elbow on Ahmed Hegazi.
Benzema's predatory instinct kicked in in stoppage time as he pounced on a header that came off the post to score a consolation.
However, it was too little, too late.
Ah-Ahly will play Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-finals.
Blaqpablo
0
Because is benzema nobody comment anything if it’s cr7 now some fans would I’ve be everywhere on AF cr7 already had 50 goals in this year benzema , firmino , including some young striker know one near that tally. Cr7 the greatest athletes footballer
he should use his 50 goals to lead al nassr to the top of the Saudi league 😂
EmeraldJ
1
Thought they said its very easy to score at Saudi? CR7 makes haters out of people
Vudbceirs
0
Because is benzema nobody comment anything if it’s cr7 now some fans would I’ve be everywhere on AF cr7 already had 50 goals in this year benzema , firmino , including some young striker know one near that tally. Cr7 the greatest athletes footballer
I don't think your brain 🧠 is working, you are the only comparing benzema with Ronaldo, if you see people always talk about Ronaldo is because of the rivalry with messi, so why would people also say benzema
Nasabdesz
0
Camels 🐫 league
camels always on over farms!
Gengarknight
1
Is it me or No one is liking the stupido comments, made by some people on this app. like if you don't like hater of the game.
Lidclrtuyz
0
Camels 🐫 league
Jobbioruz
2
Africa never disappoints 💥💥💥
samane1
1
Proud of the Egyptian League
XluciferX
0
lol yes [Crylaugh]
Pocdelntz
6
Because is benzema nobody comment anything if it’s cr7 now some fans would I’ve be everywhere on AF cr7 already had 50 goals in this year benzema , firmino , including some young striker know one near that tally. Cr7 the greatest athletes footballer
taoeilost
0
3...1 benzema score