Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad - Karim Benzema sends message to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of epic clash

Former teammates Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to face each other as their respective teams, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, clash in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup.

However, ahead of the highly anticipated match, Benzema was quick to downplay the personal rivalry, emphasising that the focus is on the team, not the individual players.

The two superstars enjoyed a successful partnership during their time at Real Madrid, winning numerous titles together.

Now, they are on opposing sides in a competition that offers Ronaldo a chance to win his first silverware with Al-Nassr. Last season, Al-Nassr fell in the final to Al-Hilal.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player. But tomorrow the best will win. I don't know if it's a challenge; it's not Benzema versus Ronaldo," he said.

The French forward described his former teammate as a "football legend" who has contributed significantly to the sport.

For his part, Al-Ittihad boss Laurent Blanc acknowledged the threat posed by Ronaldo but insists his plan to stop him would remain a secret.

"I have a plan to stop Cristiano. But I won't say what it is. He's a great player. Al Nassr is Ronaldo, but not only," he stated.

The winner of the match will advance to the final to face either Al-Qadisiyah or Al-Ahli.