French striker Karim Benzema wasted no time in making his mark after joining Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, delivering a sensational performance in his debut match by netting a hat-trick. His remarkable display helped steer the team to a commanding victory, signalling a thrilling start to his tenure in the Saudi Pro League.
On Thursday, 5 February, Al Hilal overwhelmed Al Akhdoud with a 6-0 triumph in the league clash. Benzema’s three goals were complemented by two from Salem Al-Dawsari and one from Brazilian forward Malcom, reflecting the team’s attacking dominance.
Benzema opened the scoring in the 31st minute and completed his hat-trick with goals in the 60th and 64th minutes, showcasing his sharp finishing and positional intelligence at the age of 38. Malcom added a fourth for Al Hilal in the 70th minute, before Al-Dawsari struck twice more, in the 74th minute and during stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Following the match, an elated Benzema said, “Today’s game was important for us. We are delighted with the victory. We played well, scored many goals, and did not concede any, which makes the result even more satisfying.”
The win also strengthens Al Hilal’s position at the top of the Saudi Pro League. After 20 matches, the team has amassed 50 points, maintaining a slender but crucial lead over second-placed Al Ahli, who have 47 points from the same number of matches. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr sits third with 46 points from 19 matches, keeping the title race competitive.
The current league standings of the top three teams are as follows:
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Hilal | 20 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 50 |
| Al Ahli | 20 | 15 | 2 | 3 | 47 |
| Al Nassr | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 46 |
Benzema’s immediate impact has generated significant excitement both within Al Hilal and among Saudi Pro League fans. Analysts highlight that the French forward’s experience, positional awareness, and lethal finishing are likely to elevate the team’s attacking dynamics throughout the season.
Previously, Benzema enjoyed a decorated career in European football, particularly with Real Madrid, where he was instrumental in multiple Champions League triumphs. His arrival in Saudi Arabia, accompanied by an electrifying debut, has raised expectations for a high-scoring campaign, making Al Hilal a formidable contender for the league title.
With his debut hat-trick, Benzema has not only announced his arrival in the league in style but also set the tone for what promises to be a season defined by attacking brilliance.