For some time now, the Saudi Arabia League They usually rely on international referees to direct their matches. On this occasion it was his turn Kevin Ortega, who was in charge of the first leg final of Betsson League 1 and now had to deliver justice in the match between Al Ittihad and Abha, for the thirteenth round of the Saudi championship. Thus, the Peruvian referee had the opportunity to meet with Karim Benzemaforward and star of the ‘Tigers’.
The national referee had a lot of work, since the commitment was highly disputed and frictional in various sectors of the field. He even found it necessary to rely on video arbitration to correct his decision and take a penalty in favor of the locals, which was exchanged for a goal thanks to the perfect definition of the former Real Madrid footballer.
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Benzema had a spectacular afternoon and showed all his credentials to give Al Ittihad the victory (4-2), scoring a hat-trick and assisting Igor Coronado for the 2-1 partial. On Abha’s side, Karl Toko Ekambi and Fahad Bin Jumayah added spice to the proceedings, but it was not enough to defeat the Frenchman’s team.
This is not the first time Kevin Ortega He has the opportunity to direct in Saudi Arabia, since throughout 2023 and in previous years he also did so. He is not the only one, since referees like Diego Jonny Bossio and Michael Orué have also crossed the pond to the Middle East to officiate matches in that country.
Regarding Al Ittihad, Benzema’s team is in fifth position with twenty-four points, which were earned in thirteen games played, the product of seven wins, three draws and three losses. In the 2023-24 season of the Saudi tournament, the ‘Cat’ has five goals and three assists in ten games played.
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When will Karim Benzema and Al Ittihad play again?
After this 4-2 victory over Abha, Al Ittihad and Karim Benzema They will be active again in two weeks when it is their turn to visit Al Ettifaq for the fourteenth round of the Saudi Arabia League. This commitment is scheduled for Friday, November 24 from 10:00 am, it will take place at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd stadium and for now there is no channel that has exclusive broadcast rights for Latin America.
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