WATCH: Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema scores shocking own goal in AFC Champions League clash against Navbahor
Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema had a moment to forget during his team’s round of 16 second leg clash against Navbahor in the AFC Champions League.
Setting up to defend a free-kick, Benzema tracked back to help his teammates. However, when the ball was delivered, the Frenchman made contact with it and sent it past his own goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf.
You can watch the own goal below:
The incident occurred in the 25th minute of the game as both sides were eager to grab the all-important first goal of the tie. The first leg ended 0-0, meaning there was added weightage on both teams to grab the go-ahead goal.
Navbahor’s Jamshid Iskandarov delivered the cross with a curling left-footed strike. Karim Benzema contested the header with Jovan Dokic and won, but saw the ball sail into the back of his own team’s net.
Despite the setback, Al-Ittihad rallied to secure the win, and hence progression to the quarter-finals. A goal from Abderrazak Hamdallah and an own goal by Toma Tabatadze saw the hosts win 2-1 and progress. They will now face Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal in the next round. Benzema will consider himself lucky he was not the reason his team were eliminated.
Karim Benzema so far this season
However, barring this incident, Karim Benzema has had a good season for Al-Ittihad so far. With 12 goals and six assists in 22 games across competitions, Benzema has contributed well and will look to continue.
Al-Ittihad, having won the league last year, find themselves in fifth place after 20 games so far. They are on 34 points and are 22 behind league-leaders Al Hilal. While it seems unlikely they can catch up with them in the league, Benzema and his team will have the opportunity to exact revenge in their two-legged AFC Champions League tie.
The first leg is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, March 5 at Al Hilal’s home ground, while the return leg will be played on March 12 at Al-Ittihad’s home.
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