Benzema Scores as Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Crash Out of King’s Cup
<h3>Benzema Shines, Ronaldo Falters as Al Nassr Suffer King’s Cup Heartbreak</h3><p>In a night packed with tension, missed chances, and high drama, <strong>Karim Benzema</strong> delivered the decisive blow that knocked <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr</strong> out of the <strong>Saudi King’s Cup</strong>. The French striker’s first-half strike set the tone for <strong>Al Ittihad’s 2-1 victory</strong>, sending them into the quarter-finals and prolonging Ronaldo’s frustrating wait for a major domestic title in Saudi Arabia.</p><p>The result adds another painful chapter to Al Nassr’s long-running struggle in the tournament — they have not lifted the <strong>King’s Cup since 1990</strong>, despite assembling one of the most star-studded lineups in the Middle East.</p><h3>Early Drama: Benzema Draws First Blood</h3><p>The much-anticipated round-of-16 clash, held on <strong>October 28</strong>, was billed as a rematch between two former <strong>Real Madrid icons</strong> — <strong>Ronaldo and Benzema</strong> — now representing rival clubs in Saudi Arabia.</p><p>Al Nassr entered the match as clear favourites, boasting strong form in the Saudi Pro League and a numerical advantage for much of the second half. However, the early exchanges belonged to Al Ittihad.</p><p>In the <strong>15th minute</strong>, Benzema silenced the Al Nassr supporters by calmly slotting home a low cross from <strong>Moussa Diaby</strong>, putting his side ahead <strong>against the run of play</strong>. The goal served as a sharp reminder of Benzema’s clinical finishing and composure in front of goal — traits that once made him Ronaldo’s most reliable partner in Europe.</p><h3>Ronaldo Provides, But Al Ittihad Strike Back</h3><p>Al Nassr responded swiftly. Cristiano Ronaldo, though unable to find the net himself, delivered a precise assist that allowed <strong>Anderson Talisca</strong> (or as some reports name him, <strong>Angelo</strong>) to equalize midway through the first half. The goal sparked belief among the Riyadh-based club’s fans, suggesting a potential comeback was on the cards.</p><p>But Al Ittihad were not done. Just before halftime, <strong>Houssem Aouar</strong> restored their lead, finishing a well-worked team move that exposed gaps in Al Nassr’s backline. Despite having more possession, Al Nassr went into the break trailing <strong>2-1</strong> and visibly frustrated.</p><h3>Second Half Chaos: Missed Chances and a Red Card</h3><p>The turning point came early in the second half when Al Ittihad defender <strong>Ahmed Al Julaydan</strong> received a <strong>straight red card</strong> for a reckless challenge. With Al Ittihad down to ten men, the momentum shifted heavily in Al Nassr’s favor.</p><p>However, despite the numerical advantage and several chances, Al Nassr’s attack failed to capitalize. Ronaldo came agonizingly close with a late free-kick that curled just wide, while Benzema and his teammates displayed remarkable defensive resilience to hold on.</p><p>Al Ittihad’s backline — marshaled by <strong>Fabinho and Ahmed Hegazi</strong> — absorbed relentless pressure in the final minutes, ensuring Benzema’s early goal would prove decisive.</p><h3>Ronaldo’s Saudi Trophy Drought Continues</h3><p>This latest defeat adds to <strong>Ronaldo’s growing list of near-misses</strong> since joining Al Nassr in January 2023. While the Portuguese legend lifted the <strong>Arab Club Champions Cup</strong> in 2023, that title is <strong>not officially recognized by FIFA</strong>, leaving his pursuit of a major Saudi trophy unfulfilled.</p><p>Since his arrival, Al Nassr have:</p><p>Lost <strong>three official finals</strong>, including the Saudi Super Cup and King’s Cup.</p><p>Failed to capture a <strong>Saudi Pro League title</strong>.</p><p>Suffered multiple early exits in domestic and continental competitions.</p><p>Despite these setbacks, Al Nassr’s league form this season remains strong. The team currently sits <strong>top of the Saudi Pro League</strong>, maintaining a perfect record. Ronaldo, now 40, continues to lead from the front, hoping that the <strong>league championship</strong> will finally end his long-awaited trophy drought in the kingdom.</p><h3>Benzema’s Redemption</h3><p>For Benzema, the victory marked a <strong>moment of redemption</strong> after a turbulent year marred by injuries and form struggles. His goal not only sealed Al Ittihad’s progression but also reminded fans why he remains one of the most complete forwards of his generation.</p><p>The Frenchman’s composed performance against his former teammate will go down as another memorable moment in the growing <strong>Saudi football rivalry</strong> between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr — a rivalry that now mirrors their historic Real Madrid battles in a new setting.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>With Al Ittihad advancing to the <strong>quarter-finals</strong>, they remain in contention for one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious trophies. For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, however, the King’s Cup exit is yet another bitter reminder of how <strong>success in Saudi football remains elusive</strong>, even for one of the greatest players of all time.</p><p>As the dust settles, both stars — once teammates in Madrid’s glory days — now find themselves on <strong>opposite trajectories</strong>: Benzema celebrating progress, Ronaldo left searching for answers.</p><p>For Al Nassr, the focus now turns back to the <strong>Saudi Pro League</strong>, where only a championship triumph can heal the sting of another King’s Cup heartbreak.</p>