‘He’s Cursed’: Fans Sum Up Benzema’s Poor Form After Missing Penalty in Saudi League

• Karim Benzema has been labelled as 'cursed'
• He missed a penalty in Al-Ittihad's league win
• His miss from the spot follows an own goal

Karim Benzema's streak of misfortune continued in the Saudi Pro League as Al Ittihad staged a comeback to defeat Al Wehda on Monday evening.

Following a challenging outing in the AFC Champions League, the former Real Madrid star faced more adversity in what has been a difficult first season in the Gulf country.

Benzema's misfortune at Al Ittihad

In the AFC Champions League match against Navbahor Namansgan last Thursday, Benzema scored an unfortunate own goal, putting his team in a precarious position, as cited by GOAL.

Fortunately, a goal from Moroccan forward, Abderrazak Hamdallah, and an own goal from the visitors saved Ittihad from elimination, securing passage to the quarterfinals.

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However, Benzema's bad luck persisted in the match against Al Wehda. Despite his goal being disallowed by VAR in the 30th minute, his misfortune wasn't over.

With an opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot just before half-time, the 36-year-old saw his effort saved by Abdullah Al Muaiouf.

Nevertheless, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner managed to make amends in the second half by providing an assist for Hamdallah, who scored twice to lead Marcelo Gallardo's team to a late comeback and secure a crucial victory.

How fans reacted to Benzema's ill luck

@c_7rq wrote:

"I feel sad for him."

@Justare34399060 also sympathised with Benzema:

"I feel for Benzema. I can't understand what's wrong with him."

Another user, @Cr7stianoRealm, claimed:

"He is finished."

@Jizzle003, on the other hand, appeared startled by Benzema's penalty miss:

"Is this Benzema?!"

@Khennyjhay026 ended:

"He is having a hard time in the league."

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Benzema breaks silence on Ittihad future

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Benzema has finally spoken out about rumours linking him to a return to Europe.

The Frenchman decided to join other top football stars in securing lucrative deals in the Middle East when he made a mega transfer from Real Madrid at the start of the season.

However, in an attempt to address the speculation surrounding his future, the former France international firmly stated his intention to stay in Saudi Arabia, categorically dismissing reports of a potential return to Europe as "lies."