By Karim Benzema’s own goal in an AFC Champions League match has gone viral, highlighting a challenging period for the former Real Madrid striker at Saudi club Al Ittihad.
During the AFC Champions League round of 16 second leg against Uzbekistan side Navbahor, Benzema inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. Despite this setback, Al Ittihad managed to mount a comeback and secure a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Abderrazak Hamdallah and an own goal from Toma Tabatadze.
Benzema’s performance in this match reflects his overall experience at Al Ittihad, which has been filled with ups and downs. In the January transfer window, he was linked with a surprising move to rivals Al Nassr, where his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo plays. There were also rumors linking him to a potential move to the Premier League.
However, Benzema’s time at Al Ittihad has been marred by conflicts, particularly with manager Marcelo Gallardo. Reports suggest that Benzema recently walked out of training after refusing to train alone, exacerbating his already strained relationship with Gallardo. The Argentine manager reportedly asked Benzema to train separately, questioning his fitness levels, which led to a breakdown in communication between the two.
Despite attempts to resolve the issues through discussions with club officials, Benzema’s future at Al Ittihad remains uncertain. He continues to be linked with clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, indicating that his time in Saudi Arabia may be coming to an end.
