Mosquera's Penalty Nemesis: Benzema Stunned as Al-Fayha Hold Al-Ittihad

Match Overview and Setting

Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera anchored Al-Fayha's resilience as they faced Al-Ittihad in a 1-1 Saudi Pro League clash at Majma'ah City Stadium in the fifth round. The match unfolded with tension and discipline, with Mosquera directing a compact defense while the visitors pressed for a winner that never fully arrived.

Throughout the encounter, Mosquera organized the backline, repelled several sharp attacks, and kept his team in contention as the clock wore on. The veteran keeper’s efficiency in crucial moments helped maintain parity even as Al-Ittihad created meaningful chances late in the game.

Late Drama and Benzema Moment

Earlier this season, Mosquera had already marked a memorable chapter against Al-Ittihad by saving two penalties in a single league match in January, denying Houssem Aouar and Karim Benzema in a 1-1 draw. The Friday game echoed that intensity, with Benzema earning a late spot-kick in the 88th minute, only to see Mosquera dive to his left and safely parry the ball away.

The save was a turning point that preserved the draw and reinforced Mosquera’s reputation as a clutch stopper against one of the league’s most high-profile forwards. The moment also underscored how the Panamanian goalkeeper has shaped the tactical approach opponents take when facing him in this league.

Crucial Numbers and Narrative

The match added to a broader tally: since joining Al-Fayha in 2024, Mosquera has faced nine penalties in the league, conceding six and saving three. All three successful saves against penalties have come against Al-Ittihad, marking a clear trend in this ongoing chapter of their rivalry.

Karim Benzema, the focal point of several of Mosquera’s key saves, has endured a troubling streak against the Panamanian keeper, with Mosquera stopping multiple attempts and impacting how the Frenchman approaches penalties against this opponent. The series has even influenced Benzema’s approach within the squad’s set-piece routines, at times leaving a marked sense of caution in shooting from the spot.

Historically, Mosquera’s performance places him among a handful of keepers who have saved two penalties in a single league match since the Saudi Premier League’s modern era began in 2008-09. The narrative around his involvement with the club continues to add texture to his career in the Saudi Pro League, including notable displays against big-name attackers and a growing belief among fans that he can tilt tight matches in Al-Fayha’s favor.

Beyond this single fixture, Benzema’s goal-taking record with Al-Ittihad remains mixed, highlighting the ongoing duel between the French forward and the Panamanian shot-stopper. The dynamic between Benzema’s technique and Mosquera’s reflexes has become a recurring subplot in the league, shaping both teams’ approaches as the season progresses.

In summary, the draw preserves ambitions for both clubs: Al-Ittihad continues to chase top honours, while Al-Fayha gains a valuable point in a competitive campaign. Mosquera’s heroics have not only delivered moments of relief for his team but also created a growing legacy of penalty-blocking prowess that elevates his profile on the continental stage.

Punchline time: If penalties were headlines, Mosquera would be the editor-in-chief—every swipe at Benzema lands on the front page. And if saves were sniper shots, his gloves would be a trench coat and a hat—cold, calm, and deadly accurate.”