Benzema's Saudi Showdown: Facing Al-Akhodod Twice in Just 10 Days

Storyline in the Roshn Saudi League

Karim Benzema, the French striker, steps into a rare spotlight as he prepares to face Al-Akhodod on Thursday in the Roshn Saudi Pro League.

According to the Saudi outlet Al-Riyadia, coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to include Benzema in the foreign players list for the match against Al-Akhodod at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Najran, as part of the 21st round of the league.

The veteran striker is gearing up for his first game with Al-Hilal after joining the club last Monday on a free transfer following his departure from Al-Ittihad.

Ironically, Benzema’s last appearance for Al-Ittihad against Al-Akhodod came on January 26 in round 18, a 2-1 win for the team where he played 90 minutes without scoring or assisting.

The Frenchman reportedly refused to participate in matches with Al-Ittihad against Al-Fath and Al-Najma due to disagreements over a renewal offer.

Ten days later, Benzema will meet Al-Akhodod again, but this time wearing the colors of Al-Hilal.

This will be the first time in a single season that he faces Al-Akhodod three times in official competition.

Overall, Benzema has played five matches against Al-Akhodod, all in the Roshn Saudi League, with four wins and one draw—no defeats.

He has scored five goals against Al-Akhodod, including three hat-tricks credited in the opening round of the current season.

After this update, the narrative shifts to a fresh start with a new club, a familiar foe, and a calendar that keeps punching back with more meetings to come.

Punchline time: If football were a sniper’s gallery, Benzema would be the guy who takes the shot and still has time for a victory lap and a selfie with the net. And if the defense blinked, well, he’d already filed the goal with a receipt.