JEDDAH — French striker Karim Benzema triumphed in his showdown against former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, leading Al Ittihad to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al Nassr in a tense Saudi Pro League clash at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. After scoring the equalizer, Ronaldo appeared poised to turn the tide for Al Nassr, but a late stunner by Dutchman Steven Bergwijn dashed their hopes. The match ended with Ronaldo leaving the pitch visibly disappointed as Al Ittihad celebrated a hard-fought win. Benzema's opening goal in the 55th minute marked his first-ever strike against Al Nassr, reducing the number of Saudi teams he has yet to score against to just six. His effort was quickly matched by Ronaldo, who netted in the 57th minute, bringing his Saudi Pro League tally to 59 goals. The Portuguese star is now just one goal away from reaching 60, which would make him the third-fastest player to hit the milestone, behind Abderrazak Hamdallah and Omar Al Soma. As the match seemed destined for a draw, Bergwijn delivered a crushing blow with a powerful strike in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing Al Ittihad's 12th league win this season. The victory boosted their tally to 36 points, cementing their position at the top of the table. Despite Ronaldo's equalizer, Al Nassr struggled to capitalize on opportunities throughout the game. The defeat leaves them with 25 points in fourth place, marking their second loss of the season alongside seven wins and four draws. The fiery showdown was marked by multiple confrontations between players from both sides, as well as missed chances at both ends. The first half concluded with a goalless draw, setting the stage for a gripping second-half performance. Al Ittihad fans once again dazzled with their creativity, unveiling a striking "AURA" tifo that captivated the crowd at King Abdullah Sports City. This pulsating victory not only highlighted Al Ittihad's dominance but also underscored the fierce rivalry and drama that make the Saudi Pro League a must-watch spectacle.
