Karim Benzema sends 'the best will win' message to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of reunion clash vs ex-Real Madrid team-mate as Al-Ittihad boss Laurent Blanc puts together 'plan' to stop Al-Nassr captain

The two superstars enjoyed years of success during their time together at Real Madrid but will be on opposing sides when they face off in the Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong on Tuesday. The competition offers Ronaldo the chance to finally pick up some silverware with Al-Nassr after a summer where he committed his future to the club by signing a new two-year contract. 

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr were beaten 4-1 in the final last season by Al-Hilal and will be aiming to go one better this year. Benzema, who has already won King's Cup and Saudi Pro League titles during his time with Al-Ittihad, had a few words for his old team-mate ahead of the clash.

Benzema told reporters: "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. It's not a Karim versus Cristiano game, no. What I can say is that he's a football legend. He has contributed and continues to contribute a lot to this sport. So, what I can wish him is the best. And that's it, tomorrow we'll play against each other. But it's more Al Nassr versus Al Ittihad. So, let's see what happens on the pitch tomorrow."

Al-Ittihad boss Laurent Blanc has also been thinking about Ronaldo. He explained: "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."

The winners of the clash between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad will go on to play either Al-Qadisiyah or Al-Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final.