Benzema goes from hero to zero as his comedy gaffe costs Al Ittihad away win

It proved to be a costly mistake for the Frenchman, who moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer, as his side were held to a 1-1 draw against Al Taawoun.

The 35-year-old opened the scoring in the 22nd minute - converting a cross with a trademark bullet header.

And he celebrated wildly with his arms outstretched after grabbing his fourth Saudi Pro League goal of the season.

But he quickly went from hero to zero as just four minutes later, Al Taawoun equalised - through Benzema.

As a corner was whipped in, the former Real Madrid striker was marking Al Taawoun star Andrei Girotto at the near post.

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The Brazilian missed the header, but the ball hit Benzema instead and flew into the back into the net with Marcelo Grohe standing no chance in goal for Al Ittihad.

Incredibly, it is the first own goal that the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner has scored in his entire career.

Reigning champions Al Ittihad pressed for a late winner, but failed to claim the victory on the road.

Benzema's own goal has kept Al Ittihad third in the table behind Al Taawoun, who are second, with Al Hilal top of the pile.

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Despite some huge names arriving in the Saudi Pro League this summer, including Benzema, Al Taawoun are outperforming many of them.

They did not indulge in the lavish spending like many others did, though they did bring in several players such as Musa Barrow, who joined from Bologna.

Al Ittihad, meanwhile, signed N'Golo Kante, Jota, Fabinho and Luiz Felipe as well as Benzema.