Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema delivered a masterclass in attacking football as Al Nassr clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Al Ittihad in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Saudi Pro League 2025 season. The clash, held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, lived up to its billing with end-to-end action, world-class goals, and a packed stadium roaring for two of football’s biggest icons.
Ronaldo, who continues to defy age and expectations, scored a brace and assisted the third goal, while Benzema, leading Al Ittihad’s frontline, netted a stunning opener and created multiple chances. The match not only showcased the individual brilliance of the two Ballon d’Or winners but also highlighted the growing competitiveness and global appeal of the Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad – Match Summary
| Match Details | Al Nassr Scoreline | Al Ittihad Scoreline | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah | 3 goals | 2 goals | Al Nassr won by 1 goal |
| Top Scorer (Al Nassr) | Cristiano Ronaldo – 2 goals | Karim Benzema – 1 goal | ||
| Assists | Ronaldo (1), Otávio (1) | Benzema (1), Romarinho (1) | ||
| Player of the Match | Cristiano Ronaldo | For match-winning performance |
The game began with Al Ittihad taking an early lead through Benzema’s curling strike in the 14th minute. The Frenchman, known for his elegance and precision, found the top corner from outside the box, leaving Al Nassr’s goalkeeper rooted. However, Ronaldo responded in typical fashion, equalizing with a powerful header off Otávio’s cross in the 27th minute.
The second half saw Al Nassr dominate possession and tempo. Ronaldo converted a penalty in the 61st minute after Sadio Mané was fouled inside the box. His celebration, a mix of passion and defiance, electrified the crowd. Al Ittihad fought back with Romarinho scoring in the 74th minute, but Al Nassr sealed the win with a late goal from Anderson Talisca, assisted by Ronaldo in the 88th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Karim Benzema – Performance Comparison
| Metric | Cristiano Ronaldo | Karim Benzema |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2 | 1 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 85 | 82 |
| Dribbles Completed | 5 | 3 |
| Fouls Won | 2 | 1 |
The match was a tactical battle between Al Nassr’s aggressive pressing and Al Ittihad’s fluid counter-attacks. Both teams played with intensity, but it was Ronaldo’s leadership and finishing that tilted the balance. His ability to rise in big moments continues to inspire teammates and fans alike.
Social media erupted with praise for both stars, with hashtags like #RonaldoVsBenzema, #AlNassrVictory, and #SaudiProLeagueClassic trending across platforms. Fans hailed the match as one of the best in the league’s history, while pundits called it a “statement game” for Saudi football’s global ambitions.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 3.1M mentions | 89% thrilled | #RonaldoVsBenzema #AlNassrVictory |
| 2.8M interactions | 86% celebratory | #SaudiProLeagueClassic #FootballIcons | |
| 2.5M views | 91% inspired | #CR7Masterclass #BenzemaElegance | |
| YouTube | 2.2M views | 88% analytical | #MatchExplained #SaudiLeague2025 |
The Saudi Pro League has seen a surge in viewership and global attention since the arrival of marquee players like Ronaldo, Benzema, Mané, and Neymar. With world-class infrastructure, competitive squads, and passionate fanbases, the league is positioning itself as a serious contender in global football.
Saudi Pro League 2025 – Top Scorers After Matchday 9
| Player Name | Club | Goals Scored | Assists | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr | 11 | 4 | 9 |
| Karim Benzema | Al Ittihad | 9 | 3 | 9 |
| Neymar Jr | Al Hilal | 8 | 5 | 8 |
| Sadio Mané | Al Nassr | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Romarinho | Al Ittihad | 6 | 3 | 9 |
Al Nassr’s win propels them to second place in the league standings, just behind Al Hilal. With Ronaldo in red-hot form and Benzema leading Al Ittihad’s charge, the title race promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
As the Saudi Pro League continues to evolve, matches like these serve as a reminder of football’s universal appeal and the power of legends to inspire new generations. Ronaldo and Benzema may be in the twilight of their careers, but their brilliance remains undiminished.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match data, verified sports commentary, and expert analysis. It does not constitute betting advice or club endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
