Karim Benzema: Al Ittihad won't underestimate Auckland City at Fifa Club World Cup

Al Ittihad captain Karim Benzema says the hosts will “do everything they can” to capture the Fifa Club World Cup, although he warned against underestimating Auckland City in the tournament opener on Tuesday.

The reigning Saudi Arabian champions, appearing in the competition for only a second time, kick off its first staging in the kingdom against the 2022/23 Oceania Champions League winners at their King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Should Ittihad emerge victorious against the 11-time participants from New Zealand, they will set up a quarter-final clash with Egypt’s Al Ahly on Friday. Recent Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense await in the last four, with European champions Manchester City favourites to reach the final from the other side of the draw. City's Asian and Concacaf counterparts, Urawa Red Diamonds and Club Leon, make up the remainder of the tournament.

Speaking on Monday at the pre-match press conference, Benzema, a five-time winner of the Club World Cup with Real Madrid, said: “It’s a new and different experience; everything is expected on the pitch. We will face a strong team, and we are prepared for the challenge.

“The most important thing is to enjoy the tournament with high ambitions. We will approach each match with the mentality that it could be the last, so we will work together to achieve victory.”

Ittihad, who qualified for the tournament having last season secured a first Saudi top-flight title in 14 years, come into the Auckland test following Thursday's disappointing league defeat to Damac.

The result left the Jeddah club fifth in the table after 16 rounds, 16 points off leaders Al Hilal. Last month, Ittihad dismissed manager Nuno Espirito Santo and appointed Argentine Marcelo Gallardo.

Benze