Benzema returns to Spain for fist time since leaving Madrid

Karim Benzema has returned to Spain for part of Al Ittihad's pre-season training camp. Laurent Blanc's side have scheduled three friendly matches in Spain against Elche, Sevilla and Betis.
The first stop for the Saudi team has been Benidorm, where they are currently training. Elche got a good taste of their first friendly with a comfortable win over Al Ittihad. The Saudi side, led by Benzema, who made his first appearance in Spain 412 days later, were helpless against goals from Oscar Plano and Barzic.
Benzema had played his last game on Spanish soil on 4th June 2023 against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu. It was his farewell for the Spanish side. He did so after 14 seasons and 25 titles won.
After leaving the Valencian Community, the ex-Madrid player will head to Andalusia, specifically to Seville. There, he will first visit the Sanchez-Pizjuan to take part in the Antonio Puerta Trophy, on 26th July at 21:00 CEST, and then the Benito Villamarin, on 3rd August at 21:00 CEST.