Benzema’s mischief stops Conceicao’s clever play: Al-Ittihad stuns Al-Shabab 2-0
28 December 2025
Key moment in a bold set-piece plan
The clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab, staged Saturday night in the 11th round of the Saudi Pro League, produced a memorable moment when Karim Benzema, captain of Al-Ittihad, spoiled a fresh trick prepared by his Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao during a set-piece.
Al-Ittihad secured a precious 2-0 win over Al-Shabab, lifting their point tally to 17 and moving up to sixth place in the standings.
In the 68th minute of the second half, a free-kick on the edge of the box saw three teammates ready: Dutchman Steven Bergwijn and Portuguese Rogério Fernandes forming the wall while Ahmed Al-Ghamdi stood behind the ball.
Conceicao’s plan unfolded with Al-Ghamdi behind the ball, Bergwijn and Fernandes forming a human wall in front of him, then the pair moved after the whistle to play a floated pass into the box, aiming to distract the defense and set up a direct shot on goal.
Benzema moved with trademark poise into the space, finding himself alone in front of the net, but his floated strike sailed over the crossbar, spoiling the new ploy that had the fans buzzing, their cheers echoing around the stands.
Meanwhile Conceicao applauded his players for the precise execution of the plan, a sign that it could pay off later in the season.
Punchline time, because even strategy needs a punchline: If plans A and B both miss, at least the bench has a built-in comedian. Punchline two: in football, the wall is strong, the shot is weak, and the crowd claps louder than the goal goes in—sometimes that’s just the sound of hope shrinking in the spotlight.
