Sat Dec 07 03:48:15 UTC 2024: ## Benzema’s Al-Ittihad Edges Out Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Thrilling Saudi Pro League Clash

**Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (December 7, 2024)** – Al-Ittihad secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in a thrilling Saudi Pro League match at King Abdullah Sports City on Friday. Despite Ronaldo’s impressive performance, which earned him the Man of the Match award, Al-Ittihad extended their lead at the top of the table.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Al-Ittihad in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti. Ronaldo quickly responded, equalizing less than two minutes later with a close-range shot, bringing his league goal tally to 10, matching Benzema’s.

However, the drama wasn’t over. Al-Nassr’s Sadio Mané missed a crucial scoring opportunity, and in injury time, Steven Bergwijn’s stunning curler from outside the box secured a ninth consecutive win for Al-Ittihad, moving them five points clear at the top of the league.

Al-Nassr, now fourth in the standings, are 11 points behind Al-Ittihad as the league enters a month-long break. Al-Qadsia leapfrogged Al-Nassr into third place following their 3-0 win against Al-Kholood. Defending champions Al-Hilal have the opportunity to reduce Al-Ittihad’s lead to two points if they defeat Al-Raed on Saturday. Despite Ronaldo’s individual brilliance, his team’s performance left him disappointed once again.

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