Karim Benzema made an unusual error in Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League encounter against Al-Akhdoud, which could have cost his team the needed victory.
Benzema was put through on goal by teammate Fabinho, and in his attempt to round the goalkeeper, he tumbled uncharacteristically, losing the ball to Paulo Vitor in goal for Al-Akhdoud.
However, Karim Benzema has seemingly escaped the loads of banter that would have accompanied that fall, after the referee deemed the Frenchman to be in an offside position.
The 35-year-old joined Al Ittihad on July 1, 2023, on a free transfer, following the expiration of his deal with Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League
Benzema has made 6 appearances for the Jeddah-based club, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists since his arrival.
The former Olympique Lyon forward spent 14 years at Real Madrid, winning several trophies, including; 4 La Liga titles, 5 UEFA Champions Leagues, and 5 FIFA Club World Cups.
He won the 2022 FIFA Ballon d’Or, following a remarkable season with Real Madrid last season.
The France international scored 31 goals and provided 6 assists in 43 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side across all competitions last season.
Meanwhile, Al Ittihad defeated Al-Akhdoud by 1-0, courtesy of a definitive goal scored by Karim Benzema.
The Frenchman scored a beautiful goal with his knee in the 72nd minute, following a cut back by Haroune Camara.
His embarrassing mistake occurred in the 83rd minute, and he will heave a sigh of relief that Jorge Mendoca’s side couldn’t equalize.
Benzema has now scored in back-to-back league matches for Al Ittihad, having scored in his team’s 3-4 loss to Al Hilal on Friday, September 1, 2023.
Which team sit top of the Saudi Pro League table?
Al Ittihad sit at the summit of the Saudi Pro League, with 15 points from 6 games played (5 Wins, 1 Draw).
They have played one game more than 2nd-placed Al Hilal, who remain unbeaten after 5 matches, and they could be usurping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side if they record a victory against Al Riyadh.
Al Hilal are level on points with Al-Taawoun but with a healthier goal difference.
Both clubs could be usurping Al Ittihad to 1st and 2nd, depending on the outcome of their Matchday 6 matches.
Karim Benzema earns about £172 million yearly at Al Ittihad, and his contract with the Pro League club runs until 2025, with the option of a further year.
The Tigers won the Saudi Pro League in the 2022/23 season, and they made reinforcements in the last summer transfer window to defend their crown.
Alongside Karim Benzema, they also secured the signature of N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Luiz Felipe, and Jota, amongst others.
They were also reportedly interested in signing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah before the Saudi Arabia summer transfer window closed on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
