Benzema shines on debut for Al-Hilal amidst Ronaldo’s discontent
Karim Benzema made an impactful debut for Al-Hilal, scoring a hat-trick in a commanding victory over Al Akhdoud in the Saudi Pro League. The French forward, who joined Al-Hilal after departing Al-Ittihad, showcased his striking prowess by netting three goals within the first 64 minutes of the match, reports BritPanorama.
Al-Hilal’s triumph moves them three points ahead of Al-Ahli at the top of the league standings, with Al-Nassr four points behind. Benzema’s performance came under the scrutiny of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has expressed frustration about the support of Al-Nassr’s management compared to their rivals. Reports indicate that Ronaldo, feeling sidelined, even considered striking earlier in the week.
Post-match, Benzema was involved in a tense exchange with a journalist, who queried him about his transition from Al-Ittihad. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner urged the reporter to focus on the match, stating, “Do you want to talk about the game or do you want to talk about that? Talk about the game.” He further reaffirmed his satisfaction with his new team, saying, “It was a nice performance. I feel good. With these kind of players on this team, we play and fight together.”
As tensions surface, Benzema’s remarks appeared to provoke further questions regarding his prior club. When asked why he did not say goodbye to his former teammates, he retorted, “What? You know? You know? Ask them.” Such exchanges highlight the complex emotions swirling within the league, particularly in light of Ronaldo’s unrest.
In response to the ongoing discord, the Saudi Pro League released a statement reiterating that each club operates independently, and decisions regarding player recruitment and strategy lie with their respective leadership. “No individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club,” the statement emphasised, reflecting the league’s commitment to competitive fairness amidst rising tensions among its star players.
As the Saudi Pro League unfolds, Benzema’s debut serves as a reminder of the shifting sands in football dynamics, where even legends collide in the pursuit of glory and recognition. The coming weeks will reveal whether this rivalry intensifies or stabilises as both players seek to establish their legacies in this evolving league.
