RIYADH: Karim Benzema delivered a devastating first-half hat-trick as Al-Ittihad cruised to a 4-0 victory over 10-man Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, extending their winning run to five matches.
The former Real Madrid striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after Al-Kholood captain William Troost-Ekong was shown an early red card. Benzema doubled the lead in the 28th minute and completed his second hat-trick of the season before the break, tapping in at the back post from a low Moussa Diaby cross.
Al-Ittihad maintained control throughout the second half, and substitute Saleh Al-Shehri added the fourth goal six minutes from time to seal a comfortable win for Sergio Conceicao’s side.
Defending champions Al-Ittihad sit fifth in the standings with 26 points, nine behind leaders Al-Hilal, while Al-Kholood remain 12th on 12 points.
