Despite A Karim Benzema Penalty Miss In the First Half, Al Ittihad Managed a Win Through an Abderrazzaq Hamdallah Brace
It was an intense clash on Monday evening, with Al Ittihad hosting Al Wehda at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The hosts, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, had to fight back after going behind to secure the win.
The game started well for Al Ittihad, who thought Karim Benzema had put them ahead, only for VAR to cancel it due to a foul during the build-up. Al Wehda took advantage of the confusion and the Al Ittihad disorientation that followed to go ahead through an Odion Ighalo strike in the 35th minute.
Al Ittihad had a chance for VAR to work for them, and they failed to capitalize after Karim Benzema failed to convert from the penalty spot. The home side continued trying to get back into the game deep into the second half, but Al Wehda was resilient enough to keep the score at 1-0.
In the 80th minute, Al Ittihad won a penalty, and Morrocan international Abderrazzaq Hamdallah made no mistake to make it 1-1. Benzema made up for his first-half mishaps with an assist for Hamdallah to win it for Al Ittihad. The brace now places him third on the scoring charts with 15 goals this season.
