Benzema's tragedy: a miss, a collapse, and a title race twist

Karim Benzema endured a night to forget - and it may yet reshape the Saudi title race.

The Frenchman missed a crucial penalty as Al Hilal crashed out of the AFC Champions League Elite, losing a dramatic shootout to Al Sadd after a breathless 3-3 draw.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic fired Al Hilal ahead, but Al Sadd refused to go away, matching every blow in a game that never settled. With the tie reduced to a single-leg format due to scheduling changes, extra time wasn't enough as penalties would decide everything.

And that's where it unravelled.

After an early miss from Al Sadd, Al Hilal had the advantage. Then Benzema stepped up and blazed his effort over the bar. Al Sadd didn't look back, converting flawlessly to seal a 4-2 shootout win and send the Saudi side packing.

A brutal exit, but one that could carry unexpected consequences.

With their continental campaign over, Al Hilal now turn fully to the Saudi Pro League title race, and that's where things get interesting for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr.

No more midweek distractions. No fixture congestion. Just rest, recovery, and a clear run at the title.

Al Hilal won't play again until April 28, giving them a rare two-week window to reset before the final stretch. And looming large on the horizon is May 7, a potential title decider against Al Nassr.

A clash that could define the season.

On paper, Ronaldo's side holds the advantage, as they're five points clear at the top. But while Al Hilal can now focus solely on domestic duties, Al Nassr still have continental commitments, including a looming quarterfinal against Al Wasl.

When Benzema and Ronaldo meet, it may no longer be just another big game. It could be the one that decides everything.