Benzema Scores Hat-Trick On Al Hilal Debut

French striker Karim Benzema wasted no time in making his mark after joining Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. In his very first appearance for the club, the 38-year-old forward delivered a stunning performance, netting a hat-trick and leading his team to a resounding victory.

On Thursday, 5 February, Al Hilal dominated Al Akhdoud 6-0 in a Saudi Pro League clash, with Benzema’s clinical finishing setting the tone. Alongside his hat-trick, Salem Al-Dawsari contributed two goals, while Malcom added another to the tally, underscoring the attacking strength of Al Hilal.

Benzema opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and he doubled his tally in the 60th minute before completing his hat-trick just four minutes later. Malcom then extended the lead in the 70th minute, followed by Al-Dawsari, who scored in the 74th minute and again in stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive triumph for the Riyadh-based side.

This emphatic win not only showcased Benzema’s immediate impact but also reinforced Al Hilal’s position at the summit of the Saudi Pro League. Following the victory, Benzema expressed his delight, stating, “Today’s match was very important for us. We are thrilled to secure a win. We played well, scored many goals, and kept a clean sheet, which makes us very happy.”

Al Hilal now lead the league with 50 points from 20 matches, maintaining a three-point advantage over second-placed Al Ahli, who also have 20 matches under their belt. Third-placed Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, have accumulated 46 points from 19 matches, highlighting a tightly contested title race at the top of the table.

Benzema’s debut performance reflects both his enduring class and Al Hilal’s ambition this season. As the Saudi Pro League enters its crucial phase, his presence promises to make the title race even more compelling, while providing fans with a taste of the World Cup-winning striker’s magic on Arabian soil.