Kareem Benzema's Unintentional Assists Spark Al-Ittihad Win

Kareem Benzema once again demonstrated why he remains one of football's most impactful players in Al-Ittihad's 4-1 victory over Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League. While his remarkable goal took center stage, the match will also be remembered for his two unintentional assists that highlighted both his skill and luck.

The first assist came during the dying moments of the first half. Positioned deep in his own half, Benzema intercepted a loose ball and passed it to Steven Berghuis, standing at the halfway line. What followed was a stunning solo effort from Berghuis, who dribbled past multiple defenders over a 40-meter run to score. Though officially credited with the assist, Benzema’s role was more as a catalyst for Berghuis’s moment of individual brilliance.

The second assist was an even more unexpected twist of events. Benzema received the ball on the edge of the box after a precise pass from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud on the right wing. As Benzema tried to control the cross, the ball deflected off his foot and fell perfectly for Houssem Aouar, who wasted no time slotting it into the net. This goal sealed Al-Ittihad’s dominant performance and left the opposition scrambling for answers.

Benzema’s contributions, intentional or otherwise, underline his remarkable ability to influence matches in unexpected ways. His vision, positioning, and quick thinking ensure that he is always a threat, whether he is scoring goals himself or enabling teammates to shine. With Al-Ittihad locked in a tight race for the title alongside Al-Hilal, Benzema’s presence continues to be a decisive factor.

This result reinforces Al-Ittihad’s status as a formidable contender in the league. The team's cohesion and tactical fluidity, bolstered by Benzema’s leadership on and off the pitch, are key to their ongoing success in a highly competitive season.