Karim Benzema scored an own goal on his return to Al-Ittihad, but the Saudi club still qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League by beating Uzbeks Navbahor Namangan. It was the Frenchman’s first match since December after media reports of tension with the club’s management.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or, 36, was not selected to play the first leg last week away (0-0). Benzema opened the scoring in the 25th minute by heading the ball into his own goal from a corner, but his team, in which the other Frenchman Ngolo Kanté also plays, ended up winning 2-1.
The former Madrilenian and Lyonnais was the target of criticism from supporters due to his performance considered low (9 goals, 5 assists in the league), a falling out with his coach and a delay in returning from the winter break . He is under contract until 2026 with the Saudi club, double winner of the Asian Champions League in 2004 and 2005. The Frenchman scored 15 minutes from the end of the match but the goal was disallowed for offside of a teammate.
