In a notable move that sparked interest among fans and analysts, French star Karim Benzema, the Al-Ittihad striker, posted a video on his social media accounts showing him undergoing strenuous physical training alone. This came just hours before his team's highly anticipated match against Al-Hilal, a top fixture in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League, a match known as the "Saudi Clasico" and always characterized by its intense rivalry and excitement.
A message of challenge and readiness
The video showed Benzema performing muscle-strengthening and fitness exercises with high concentration, which many interpreted as a clear message to Al-Ittihad fans and their rivals Al-Hilal, confirming his complete readiness to play the match with full force and his desire to perform at his best to help his team achieve a positive result. This move comes at a crucial time in the season, as Al-Ittihad, the defending champions, seek to improve their position in the standings, while Al-Hilal aims to continue their winning streak and extend their lead at the top of the table.
General context and importance of El Clásico
The Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal match is considered one of the most prestigious and intense rivalries in the history of Saudi and Asian football. The rivalry between these two giants stretches back decades, and their matches have always drawn massive crowds and created a passionate atmosphere. This classic encounter has gained even more significance this season with the Roshan League attracting international stars. Al-Ittihad boasts Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, along with other stars like N'Golo Kanté and Fabinho, while Al-Hilal is brimming with top-class players such as Neymar (despite his injury), Aleksandar Mitrović, and Sergej Milinković-Savić, making this match a global spectacle.
Benzema's impact and fan expectations
Since joining Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Real Madrid in a record-breaking transfer, Karim Benzema has been the focus of high hopes for leading the team's attack. Despite scoring crucial goals, the team has faced some challenges throughout the season. Therefore, such individual actions demonstrating the player's commitment and seriousness are seen as an important psychological factor that can boost the morale of his teammates and reassure the fans who always look forward to seeing their star player at his best, especially in crucial matches where there is no room for error. This level of professionalism reflects the great responsibility Benzema feels towards his new club and its ambitions in the Saudi League.
