Benzema gets laser in eye and misses penalty in Al-Ittihad’s Club World Cup loss

Karim Benzema was shot in the eye with a laser pen before his crucial penalty miss in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Benzema, 35, was one of Al-Ittihad’s landmark signings during a summer transfer window which saw the Saudi Arabian Pro League pluck some of the biggest names out of Europe. The Frenchman even signed a contract understood to be worth just shy of £172m per year.

However, his bank account was not there to help him in Marcelo Gallardo’s side’s 3-1 defeat to Egyptian side Al-Ahly. To make matters even worse, the ex-Real Madrid hitman even missed a crucial penalty in the clash.

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The Egyptian side took the lead when Hassan Kadesh converted from the penalty spot, after Al-Ittihad defender Hassan Kadesh handled the ball in the penalty area. Moments after, the Saudi giants had their own penalty after an Al-Ahly defender also handled the ball in the box.

As Benzema lined up for his penalty, a green laser was shone into his eyes. While his focus did not appear to dwindle too much, the experienced Frenchman's effort was excellently saved by Mohamed El Shenawy.

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Al-Ittihad's evening only got worse as Hussein El Shahat curled home a second after the break, before Emam Ashour contributed a third three minutes later.

Shortly after ex-Borussia Dortmund and Blackburn Rovers ace Anthony Modeste was shown a red card for Al-Ahly, Benzema managed to net a consolation goal for his side in the 92nd minute.

The writing was already on the wall for the Saudi Arabian side who were not able to make use of the home advantage. Al-Ahly will face Copa Libertadores winners Fluminese in the semi-finals.

However, Manchester City will begin their Club World Cup campaign against Asian Champions League holders Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday.

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