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Karim Benzema’s 15th goal of the season in all competitions proved to be little more than a consolation as Al-Ittihad suffered a shock second defeat of the season at Damac in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.
2022 Ballon d’Or winner Benzem We found space to capitalize on Abdulrahman Al Obud’s right-wing cross deep into the first half, bringing his side level after Georges-Kevin Nkoudou opened the scoring from distance in the 17th minute.
It forms betiktas, TottenhamMarseille and Nantes winger Nkoudou struck again from long range in the 94th minute to seal a 2-1 victory for a side who started the afternoon four points above the relegation zone and have lost eight of their first 16 league games.
A typical Ballon d’Or ending ⭐️⚽️#Roshnsaudileague pic.twitter.com/eg3mx7rimc
– Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 27, 2025
Karim Benzema’s goals
Benzema’s fourth goal in five league games was his 13th in the top flight this season, putting him one behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo’s total of 14 for third-placed al-Nass.
Former Fulham and Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is the only other player in double figures in Saudi Arabia, scoring 12 for Al-Hilal.
On double: @gknoudou ⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/rbzl3m3xw4
– Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 27, 2025
Since returning from a three-game injury layoff in October and November, Benzema has made 10 straight appearances in six appearances in all competitions.
AND Five-time winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid He has three more assists than Ronaldo and Mitrović in the league, setting up five goals.
Cameroon international N’Koudou is one of four players on nine goals after scoring for the first time in four matches.
🇨🇲 @gknoudou Was your MOTM pick from #Damit ⭐️#Roshnsaudileague pic.twitter.com/p5qcd2vesg
– Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 27, 2025
Saudi league table
Al-Ittihad dropped three points above Al-Hilal with their first defeat since a 3-1 defeat at the leaders on September 21, when Mitrovic scored twice and Benzema scored an 86th-minute reply.
Ronaldo was among the scorers as Al-Nassr won 3-1 at home On Sunday, but the Portuguese icon is eight points behind Al-Ittihad.
Reigning champions Al-Hilal can capitalize on Al-Ittihad’s slip-up when they visit fourth-placed Al-Qadisiyah later on Monday (5pm GMT).
⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/s5jvab8nvv
-Al-itihad club (@ithihad_en) January 27, 2025
Benzema Real Madrid statistics
Benzema’s 354 goals over 14 years made him Madrid’s second all-time top scorer behind former team-mate Ronaldo, who hit 451.
The 2022 World Cup winner with France has said in interviews that he sees himself as an ambassador for football in Saudi Arabia who can help attract more of Europe’s elite footballers to the league.
After leaving Madrid a year before the end of his contract, Benzema joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal in 2023.
📸 | @Benzema Celebration after scoring the equalizer ⚽️#Alittihad_damak pic.twitter.com/resxlenwrp
-Al-itihad club (@ithihad_en) January 27, 2025
Benzema in Saudi Arabia
Benzema’s first season in Saudi Arabia saw a return of 13 goals and eight assists in 29 matches which was low by his prolific standards as Al-Ittihad endured a turbulent 2023/24, finishing trophyless and sacking current Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Studeni.
Former Barcelona sporting director Ramon Avines joined the nine-time champions in the same role he held at the Spanish giants in January and ex-PSG manager Laurent Blanc has guided them to the top of the table since replacing Argentine Marcelo Gallardo in July.
His goals this season included one against Al-Nassr in a 2-1 win in Al-Ittihad’s last match before their winter break.
