Benzema Strikes Late: Al Ahli Held To Draw In Saudi Derby

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Post on Apr 08, 2025

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Benzema Strikes Late: Al Ahli Held to Draw in Thrilling Saudi Derby

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – A late Karim Benzema strike salvaged a point for Al Ahli in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Al Nassr in a fiercely contested Saudi Pro League derby. The match, played before a roaring crowd at the King Fahd International Stadium, showcased the electrifying talent on display in the burgeoning Saudi league, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The game exploded into life early on. Al Nassr, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, took the lead through a stunning long-range effort from Talisca in the 20th minute. The Brazilian midfielder's powerful shot left Al Ahli goalkeeper, Mohammed Al-Owais, with no chance. Al Nassr dominated possession for large periods of the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline under manager Rudi Garcia.

However, Al Ahli fought back valiantly in the second half. Their persistence paid off when a defensive lapse allowed Gustavo Cuellar to equalize with a well-taken goal in the 65th minute, igniting a renewed sense of hope within the Al Ahli camp. The atmosphere reached fever pitch. The Saudi derby was living up to its billing, a captivating spectacle of skill and determination.

The momentum swung back and forth, with both teams creating numerous chances. Al Nassr regained the lead through a controversial penalty decision awarded in the 78th minute, converted coolly by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar's clinical finish seemed to have secured the victory for Al Nassr.

But just as the final whistle loomed, Karim Benzema, the Ballon d'Or winner, produced a moment of magic. In the 88th minute, the Frenchman unleashed an unstoppable shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net to secure a dramatic draw for Al Ahli. The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers and groans, a fitting end to a thrilling encounter.

Key Highlights:

• Talisca's stunning opener: The Brazilian midfielder's long-range strike set the tone for an exciting match.
• Cuellar's equalizer: The Colombian midfielder's goal reignited Al Ahli's hopes.
• Ronaldo's penalty: The Portuguese superstar added his name to the scoresheet, showcasing his continued goal-scoring prowess.
• Benzema's late heroics: The Frenchman's late strike secured a crucial point for Al Ahli, demonstrating his world-class ability.
• High-octane Saudi Derby: The match lived up to the hype, delivering a captivating display of footballing talent.

This draw keeps both Al Ahli and Al Nassr firmly in contention for the Saudi Pro League title. The match highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the league, attracting global attention and showcasing the incredible talent now playing in Saudi Arabia. The future of the Saudi Pro League appears brighter than ever, with these high-stakes derbies captivating audiences worldwide. The clash between Benzema and Ronaldo provided a tantalizing preview of what promises to be an exciting season. The Saudi Pro League is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with on the global footballing stage.