Karim Benzema scores a bizarre goal with his knee to help Al-Ittihad return to the top of the Saudi Pro League with victory over Al-Akhdoud… before he takes a hilarious tumble when through for a possible second
- Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Akhdoud 1-0 to return to the top of the Saudi Pro League
- Karim Benzema scored the winner late on after a smart finish with his knee
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins!’
Karim Benzema scored an unusual goal with his knee to help Al-Ittihad return to victory and top the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema scored his third league goal in his sixth match against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side since moving to the Middle East from Real Madrid on a contract worth £86 million per year.
After losing 4-3 to title rivals Al-Hilal in their final match before the international break, Al-Ittihad looked set to become frustrated with Al-Akhdoud, who had taken just four points from their opening five games of the competition. The season.
However, after a nice team move in the 72nd minute, Haroune Camara played a dangerous ball across the penalty area.
Benzema was there, but Al-Akhdoud defender Saeed Al-Rubaie got a touch of the ball, which then bounced into the air, before the French striker’s quick thinking cleverly pushed it past Paulo Vitor with his knee.
Karim Benzema scored a bizarre goal with his knee to help Al-Ittihad beat Al-Akhdoud 1-0
It was Benzema’s third goal in his sixth Saudi Pro League match for Nuno Espirito’s Santo side
It could have been even better for Benzema – who lined up ahead of midfielders Fabinho and N’Golo Kante – but the 35-year-old missed a golden opportunity to double his side’s lead.
After some good play by Al-Ittihad, Fabinho played a wonderful ball behind the defense that Benzema ran into.
But just as he prepared to round Vitor, who had come out of his goal, the Real Madrid legend fell and fell to the ground.
This allowed Vitor to save the ball and keep the score at just 1-0. Nevertheless, Benzema did not have to regret his mistake, as Al-Ittihad took all three points.
The result puts them two points ahead of Al-Hilal with 15 points from six games, but their rivals – whose ranks include Kalidou Koulibaly, Neymar, Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic – have a match in hand in which they can claim victory . at Al-Riyadh on Friday evening.
Benzema was later ashamed of a fall when he was through on goal
The striker (right) lined up with fellow summer signings N’Golo Kante (centre) and Fabinho
