- Karim Benzema joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal earlier this summer
- Benzema joined after Cristiano Ronaldo joined another Saudi team Al Nassr in January
- Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are Saudi Pro League’s top teams
Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo could become prominent figures in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) when the 2023/24 season commences. At present, these two Real Madrid icons are the prominent faces in this emerging frontier. However, the possibility of Saudi interest in Kylian Mbappe might bring about changes in this scenario.
Nevertheless, both superstars are set to represent the top two teams in the SPL for the upcoming season. Karim Benzema will be leading Al Ittihad, determined to defend their title. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo will be spearheading Al Nassr’s quest for their first championship since 2019.
The matches between these two sides are highly anticipated, and their head-to-head clashes could play a pivotal role in determining the title winner. The schedule for these exciting encounters is eagerly awaited by fans and followers of the league.
When will Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo face off in the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League?
The 2023/24 season in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) is set to conclude in an exhilarating fashion, with last season’s top two teams engaging in a decisive battle on the final day. Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad will kick off the encounter by hosting Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, on either 14 or 16 December 2023. The climax of the season will see Ronaldo’s team facing off against the reigning champions at Al Awal Park on Matchday 34, scheduled for 27 May 2024.
Karim Benzema joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad earlier this summer. | PHOTO: Al Ittihad |
Although many predict that these two sides will be the primary contenders for the Saudi Pro League title in the upcoming season, Al Hilal is also a formidable force with the potential to challenge for the crown. If they have a stellar season, Al Hilal could disrupt the potential final-day drama and add their own twist to the title race.
READ: Karim Benzema calls time on Real Madrid shirt after 14 years
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Karim Benzema head to head
Having spent the majority of their illustrious club careers at Real Madrid, the two football legends have not had numerous encounters against each other. Due to Karim Benzema’s temporary exclusion from the French national team, he has only faced Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on three occasions in his international career.
Their first meeting took place during the 2007/08 Champions League round of 16 when Benzema’s Lyon clashed with Ronaldo’s Manchester United. The Frenchman scored the opening goal in the first leg, but Carlos Tevez equalized late, and Ronaldo netted the decisive goal in the return leg at Old Trafford just before half-time.
The second encounter between the two occurred six years later when they represented their respective national teams in a friendly match following the 2014 World Cup. In this game, Benzema scored the opening goal in the third minute, leading to a victory for France. In a 2015 friendly match, neither player managed to get on the scoresheet, and France claimed another win.
Their most recent meeting was during Euro 2020, where Ronaldo scored two penalties, and Benzema netted twice, one of which was from the spot, resulting in a 2-2 draw between Portugal and France.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login