Karim Benzema focuses on rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo for Al Nassr vs. Al ittihad in Saudi Super Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo And My wife are ready to see each other again in Saudi Arabia, this time in the Saudi Super Cup semi -finals between Al Nassr And Al ittihadA match that will be played in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Once teammates at Real Madrid, Benzem the supposed rivalry with the Portuguese star appealed only a few hours before the kick -off.

After they have established themselves as one of the most deadly duos in Europe, Benzema and Ronaldo spent nine years together in Real Madrid Between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. Now the two meet again, but as rivals in Saudi Arabia, with Benzema the upper hand.

When he was asked about his head-to-head against Ronaldo, Benzema was quickly closed the story. ‘I don’t know if it’s a challenge, I don’t play against him. It is not Karim vs. Cristiano match, no. What I can say is that he is a football legend. He has brought this sport a lot and continues to bring a lot“The Frenchman said at the press conference on Monday.

The striker also emphasized that the semi -final is not about personal fights, but about the two clubs fighting for a place in the final: “What I could wish for is the best for him. And that’s it, Tomorrow we will play against each other. But it’s more Al Nassr vs. Al ittihad. So we will see what will happen on the field tomorrow. “

While the spotlights are inevitably on the two global icons, Benzema trivialized rivalryShifting the focus to the goal of the team to continue to the final. After the prizes of Ronaldo’s lasting impact on the sport, he insisted that his only goal was to win the game.

see also

Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Kingsley Coman: Legend’s $ 244 million salary compared to the new Bayern signature of Al Nassr

Ronaldo and a negative record against Al Ittihad

The Saudi Super Cup has long been an elusive trophy for Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2022-23, Nassr fell 3-1 to Al ittihad In the semi -final. In 2023-24 they were eliminated again, this time 2-1 by Al Hilal. And in 2024-25 Ronaldo finally reached the final, but was 4-1 crushed by Al Hilal.

Individual, Ronaldo also has a losing record against Al Ittihad On the way to Tuesday’s collision. In six performances against the Saudi side, he scored five goals, but only achieved two victories compared to four losses.

The Portuguese star also follows Benzema in the main to-head matchups, with only one win in three meetings. The figures are not preferred by Al Nassr, but after a busy summer from Blockbuster signing sessions and a positive preseason despite a narrow 3-2 loss for Almeria, Ronaldo has the chance to turn the script and eventually turn his record.