Karim Benzema’s blushes spared! Ex-Real Madrid forward heads into his own net in horror own-goal but Al-Ittihad recover to win AFC Champions League clash

Benzema was picked to start up front as Ittihad took on Uzbekistani side Navbahor in the second leg of their round of 16 tie on Thursday. The first game ended in a 0-0 draw but Benzema inadvertently gave Navbahor the lead in the second by sending a header beyond his own goalkeeper at a set-piece. Ittihad, though, recovered, as a strike from Abderrazak Hamdallah and a Toma Tabatadze own goal gave them a vital win.

It has been reported that Benzema is currently unhappy at Ittihad and he was linked with a shock move within the Saudi league, to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, in the January transfer window. The former Real Madrid star was also linked with Manchester United, although the Red Devils quickly distanced themselves from those rumours.

Once Thursday's AFC Champions League tie is finished, Benzema will gear up for this weekend's clash with Al-Wehda. They are currently fifth in the Saudi Pro League, a massive 22 points off leaders Al-Hilal.