Al-Ittihad, once touted as a burgeoning powerhouse with the signing of former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, is now facing a challenging period, with their recent performances defying initial expectations. The Saudi Arabian champions encountered a significant setback, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Air Force Club in Iraq during the Asian Champions League. This loss followed closely on the heels of a 1-0 defeat against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, further intensifying the scrutiny on the team.
The string of disappointing results for Al-Ittihad has extended over their last six games, leading to mounting concerns about the future of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. These consecutive setbacks have sparked discussions about potential changes at the managerial level, as the team struggles to find its form.
In their latest Asian Champions League encounter, despite Benzema wearing the captain’s armband and playing the full match, his impact was less than expected. The French star, renowned for his exploits with Real Madrid, found himself overshadowed by the energetic and tactical display of the home team. Air Force Club, runners-up in the last season’s Iraqi Premier League, demonstrated a level of play that caught Al-Ittihad off guard.
The first blow to Al-Ittihad came before halftime when Ali Jasim capitalized on a scoring opportunity, putting the hosts in the lead. This goal not only boosted the morale of Air Force Club but also visibly frustrated Nuno and his squad. Despite an improved showing in the second half, Benzema and his teammates were unable to turn the tide, with Benzema himself remaining relatively subdued throughout the match.
The situation worsened for Al-Ittihad when Mohannad Abdulraheem scored with a well-placed close-range drive, ensuring victory for the hosts. For Benzema, this match was a stark contrast to his celebrated past performances, marking a forgettable debut in the Asian Champions League. His absence from Al-Ittihad’s earlier victories in the competition only added to the disappointment of this loss.
Looking ahead, Al-Ittihad faces a crucial match in the Saudi Pro League against Abha. The pressure is mounting for the team to reverse their recent downturn in form. The upcoming fixture presents a critical opportunity for Benzema and his team to respond to their critics and regain some momentum. Failure to do so could further escalate the already high pressure and potentially lead to significant changes within the club. The spotlight on Benzema is now brighter than ever, as he faces the challenge of living up to his reputation and helping Al-Ittihad navigate through this turbulent phase.
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