Karim Benzema scored his first Saudi Pro League goal as Al-Ittihad thrashed Al-Riyadh 4-0 on Thursday.

The Real Madrid legend joined the Saudi champions after penning a three-year deal worth £258million this summer and helped his side cruise to victory by opening the scoring in the 17th minute.

After starting the attack with a run from the halfway line, Benzema later picked up the ball close to the penalty spot and coolly slotted his strike past Al-Riyadh goalkeeper Martin Campagna.

Benzema started alongside former Premier League stars Fabinho and N'Golo Kante, who also opted to join the Saudi Pro League on lucrative contracts this summer.

Moroccan midfielder Abderrazak Hamdallah doubled Al-Ittihad's lead from the penalty spot before making it three on the cusp of half-time.

Substitute Saleh Al-Amri put the game to bed in the 93rd minute with a fourth goal, keeping Al-Ittihad at the top of the league ahead of Al-Ahli on goal difference.

Al-Ittihad sought to play down rumors of tension between Benzema and manager Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of the clash.

A report claimed that Santo told the Al-Ittihad board that Benzema didn't fit his style of play and that he didn't ask for him to be signed.

It was also suggested that Benzema isn't comfortable at Al-Ittihad and that he could secure an early exit from the club.

Al-Ittihad responded by posting a short video of Benzema, including the caption 'KB9 always happy'. They also posted a video on Snapchat of Benzema and Santo talking during a training session.

Santo also decided against naming Benzema as captain, with Romarinho given the armband instead.

Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad has expressed interest in signing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, but Mail Sport reported on Thursday evening that the Reds are adamant he is not for sale.

The move would make Salah the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League, ahead of Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who is on £175million per season.

With the defeat, Al-Riyadh dropped to ninth in the Saudi Pro League table.