Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad - Karim Benzema sends message to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of epic clash
AFNEWS reporter
Aug 19, 2025
Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad - Karim Benzema sends message to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of epic clash
Benzema dismisses rivalry with Ronaldo ahead of Super Cup clash
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Former teammates Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to face each other as their respective teams, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, clash in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup.
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However, ahead of the highly anticipated match, Benzema was quick to downplay the personal rivalry, emphasising that the focus is on the team, not the individual players.
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The two superstars enjoyed a successful partnership during their time at Real Madrid, winning numerous titles together.
Now, they are on opposing sides in a competition that offers Ronaldo a chance to win his first silverware with Al-Nassr. Last season, Al-Nassr fell in the final to Al-Hilal.
What Benzema said
"Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player. But tomorrow the best will win. I don't know if it's a challenge; it's not Benzema versus Ronaldo," he said.
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The French forward described his former teammate as a "football legend" who has contributed significantly to the sport.
For his part, Al-Ittihad boss Laurent Blanc acknowledged the threat posed by Ronaldo but insists his plan to stop him would remain a secret.
"I have a plan to stop Cristiano. But I won't say what it is. He's a great player. Al Nassr is Ronaldo, but not only," he stated.
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The winner of the match will advance to the final to face either Al-Qadisiyah or Al-Ahli.
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— AFNEWS reporter