Ex-Oxford United boss Des Buckingham faces Karim Benzema

Buckingham will lead Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood into the King Cup of Champions final against Al Hilal.

Al Hilal harbour a squad of big names in world football, none other than 2022 Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid hero Karim Benzema.

The World Cup runner-up plays alongside other global stars such as former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo and ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.

Karim Benzema playing for Real Madrid (Image: PA)

Ex-Oxford boss Buckingham’s squad is not graced with the same stardom as their opponents but possess a duo of Englishmen in former Nottingham Forest youngster Adam Berry and ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder John Buckley.

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Al-Kholood beat Benzema’s former side Al-Ittihad on penalties in the semi-final and go into the final as underdogs against former Inter Milan manager and Italy stiker Simone Inzaghi’s Blue Waves.

The match will be a big test for Buckingham who is looking to seal a fairytale story and win a first major title for his club in their 56 years of existence.

Des Buckingham lifts the League One play-off final trophy with Oxford United (Image: PA)

Al-Kholood are currently 14th in the 18-team Saudi Pro League.

The 41-year-old coach previously led The U’s to promotion to the Championship for the first time in over two decades via the League One play-offs.

Buckingham was surprisingly sacked in December of the following season and replaced by Gary Rowett.