RIYADH: Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick and set up another goal on his debut as Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal thrashed bottom side Al-Akhdoud 6-0 on Thursday.
The 38-year-old joined Al-Hilal on Monday after reports said he declined an offer to extend his contract with Al-Ittihad, whom he joined on a free transfer in 2023 following a 14-year spell at Real Madrid.
The former France striker made an immediate impact, opening the scoring shortly after the half-hour mark with a deft back-heel finish after pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area.
Benzema doubled Al-Hilal’s lead in the 60th minute with a low, close-range strike and completed his hat-trick four minutes later with another effort from inside the box.He then turned provider, setting up Malcom for Al-Hilal’s fourth goal before being substituted in the 71st minute.
“It was an important game today, so we are happy,” Benzema said. “We played well, kept a clean sheet and scored goals.“Everybody has been good with me.
They give me everything, so when I am on the pitch, I give everything for them.”Salem Al-Dawsari, the 2025 AFC Player of the Year, completed the rout with two late goals.
