When Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the identical dressing room at Actual Madrid, they had been symbols of unity, precision, and success. Years later, they discovered themselves on reverse sides of a charged Saudi Arabian night time — the King’s Cup Spherical of 16 conflict between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr. What unfolded wasn’t only a fierce battle on the pitch, however a drama that spilled over into social media, leaving followers speculating a couple of delicate message that reignited the previous rivalry.
The match in Riyadh felt like a throwback to their prime La Liga days — two veterans main their groups with pleasure and defiance. Ronaldo, determined to finish his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia, got here into the conflict unbeaten this season, whereas Benzema’s Al-Ittihad arrived with revenge on their thoughts after a league defeat.
For all of Al-Nassr’s early dominance, it was Benzema who struck first. A devastating counterattack spearheaded by Moussa Diaby ended with the Frenchman ending with trademark composure. Ronaldo responded in model, orchestrating a slick transfer that allowed Angelo Gabriel to stage the rating. However simply earlier than halftime, Houssem Aouar restored Al-Ittihad’s lead — one they might defend with grit and coronary heart regardless of being diminished to 10 males after Ahmed Al Julaydan’s crimson card.
For the 40-year-old, the loss lower deep. Regardless of his relentless drive and fixed motion, his facet merely couldn’t break by Al-Ittihad’s resilient protection. Goalkeeper Rajkovic pulled off a number of world-class saves, together with a surprising reflex cease to disclaim Sadio Mane within the dying minutes.
When the ultimate whistle blew, Laurent Blanc’s bench erupted whereas Ronaldo stood immobile, one other alternative for silverware slipping away. Since his transfer to Riyadh in 2022, the Portuguese star has now missed out on 13 trophies, his solely triumph coming in a regional competitors not acknowledged by FIFA. On his social media, Ronaldo remained philosophical. “We stand tall, study, and transfer ahead collectively,” he wrote — a publish that contrasted sharply with Benzema’s tone later that night.
What did Benzema say?
Hours after the victory, Benzema shared a picture on his Instagram story: him celebrating his purpose, with a clearly seen Ronaldo within the background. What appeared like a innocent victory publish quickly turned viral. Some defended the French striker, claiming he was merely reposting a fan-made picture. But others considered it as a deliberate provocation — a symbolic second the place the 37-year-old reminded the world he was now not in Ronaldo’s shadow.
However what actually caught everybody’s consideration was the mysterious five-word message that adopted in a brand new publish on social media — a phrase many followers shortly linked to his previous teammate. Amid the web frenzy, the story took one other flip when the Frenchman shared a contemporary picture with the caption: “Massive win tonight.. Vital for the group and our followers. Once we speak, we do”.
The phrase he selected — “Once we speak, we do” — resonated deeply amongst followers. It was interpreted as a quiet assertion of confidence, a declaration from a participant who continues to let his actions converse louder on the sector, reasonably than outdoors.
