Karim Benzema's Contribution Helps Cristiano Ronaldo Convert Penalty in Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema’s spectacular partnership, over the years, guided Real Madrid to innumerable trophies and laurels. The two may not be representing Los Blancos anymore but their combination, albeit differently, produced a goal during a Saudi Pro League fixture on Wednesday. Right after providing an assist, Benzema conceded a penalty which was, quite comfortably, converted by Ronaldo. The incident took place in the 19th minute of the game between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at the Prince Abdullah AlFaisal stadium in Jeddah. The Frenchman was spotted kicking Saudi Arabian defender Al Lajami’s foot inside the box, forcing the match referee to award a penalty to Al Ittihad.

Cristiano Ronaldo ended up scoring a brace in the game to help Al Nassr secure a convincing 5-2 win against Al Ittihad.

Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah opened the scoring for Al Ittihad in the 14th minute. It took just five minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo to find an equaliser for Al Nassr. Al Nassr soon earned a lead after Anderson Talisca found the back of the net in the first half.

Abderrazak Hamdallah netted again after the interval. Hamdallah’s brace, however, turned out to be futile as Cristiano Ronaldo converted a second penalty and Sadio Mane added two late goals to clinch full three points for Al Nassr.

The emphatic win over Al Ittihad left Al Nassr at the second spot in the Saudi Pro League standings. Al Nassr have so far claimed 43 points from 18 games. They are currently seven points behind Al Hilal. Table toppers Al Hilal have not yet lost a match in this season’s Saudi Pro League. In their next fixture, Al Nassr will be against fourth-placed Al Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday, December 30.

Meanwhile, Two goals against Al Ittihad helped Cristiano Ronaldo become the top scorer of the year. The Portuguese talisman has so far netted 53 goals in 2023. The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend surpassed Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe’s tally of 52 to emerge as the top goal scorer of the year. Overall, Ronaldo has so far scored 19 goals in this season’s Saudi Pro League. Having moved to Al Nassr last season, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has found the back of the net 41 times for the Saudi outfit.