Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Karim Benzema decided to hand penalty taking duties over to one of his Al Ittihad team-mates during their Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh.
The French forward, one of the division’s marquee signings this summer, had earlier put Al Ittihad 1-0 up for his first Saudi Pro League goal.
Al Ittihad then won a penalty when Abderrazak Hamdallah was tripped by a defender as he was preparing to shoot.
Benzema is the club’s assigned penalty taker, and picked up the ball before heading towards the spot.
But he then selflessly decided to give up the chance to net a brace – handing the ball over to Hamdallah instead. The Moroccan striker converted his spot kick into the top left corner for his third goal in as many games.
You can see the clip below.
Benzema’s goal came on 17 minutes – and the build-up largely involved good work from the 35-year-old himself.
He picked the ball up in his own half, before charging forward beyond the Al Riyadh midfield.
He then passed the ball to Brazilian midfielder Romarinho in the area, who then played a one-two to Benzema.
The former Real Madrid star showed typical poise and composure by stopping the ball and allowing the Al Riyadh defender to commit to a challenge, before placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Martin Campana from 10 yards.
His goal comes amid explosive claims from Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that manager Nuno Espirito Santo told the Al Ittihad board that Benzema does not fit into his tactical style, and did not request his signing. They also alleged that Benzema feels ‘uncomfortable’ at the club.
However, Al Ittihad later posted a video of the forward to social media with the caption “KB9 always happy,” appearing to dispel the claims. The video was reposted by Benzema’s official account.
Topics: Karim Benzema, Saudi Pro League
