‘Arrive and kiss the saint. That could be the definition of Karim Benzema’s debut at Al Ittihad. Benzema scored a hat-trick in defeating Al-Oqdoud (0-6), ending a three-game draw streak and putting all the pressure on Al-Nasr in the race for the Saudi Professional League title. Tomorrow they face Al Ittihad, the Frenchman’s former team, but Cristiano Ronaldo is doubtful, although he has returned to training.
Benzema’s presence in Al Hilal’s starting eleven influenced the rest of the ‘stars’. Due to the non-EU status of the Saudi Pro League, players such as Darwin Nunez and Marcos Leonardo were not part of the squad that faced Neiyou’s Al-Oqdoud team, who are on loan from Getafe until the end of the season.
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Al Hilal had Ruben Neves, whose contract was renewed until 2029, embedded between the central defenders, but he looked very slow in terms of moving the ball forward. In fact, it took just over 10 minutes for Inzaghi’s side to enjoy their first chance with Malcolm’s shot from the edge of the area.
Benzema wasn’t particularly sharp either. This is understandable for a player who has had to adjust to new teammates on top of being out of action for several weeks. However, Karim scored the opening goal in the 36th minute after his goal was canceled due to a foul after creating an exquisite wall with Milinkovic-Savic at the starting point. It could have been easy because the ball was loose in a small area. However, he showed off by shooting a “back heel” with “nutmeg” in it.
Near the end of the first half, they failed to convert a strong cross shot from Theo Hernandez from the left side. He didn’t regret it. And at the hour mark, he completed a hat trick by scoring two goals in a matter of minutes. Malcolm and Al Dausari sent in two crosses, both of which were easily converted.
He could have been carried on his shoulders before being substituted with 20 minutes left. However, when he was already celebrating his fourth goal, Malcolm snatched a goal from him on the line. However, there was still time for the former Barcelona player to score Al-Dawsari’s fifth goal in stoppage time. Life certainly becomes a lot easier with Benzema. A memorable debut work.
