By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
In a stunning first appearance for his new club Al-Hilal, legendary French striker Karim Benzema announced himself with a hat-trick and an assist in a commanding 6–0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Akhdoud on Thursday night. The 38-year-old’s debut performance left fans and pundits alike buzzing as he delivered an emphatic statement for his new team.
Benzema opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 31st minute, flicking a clever back-heel finish after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box to break the deadlock for Al-Hilal.
He doubled his tally in the 60th minute with a composed low strike from close range and completed his hat-trick just four minutes later, again finding the net at close quarters to cap an impressive treble on his club debut.
Not content with scoring, Benzema also set up Malcom for Al-Hilal’s fourth goal before being substituted in the 71st minute, prompting rapturous applause from supporters.
Al-Hilal’s dominance continued through Salem Al-Dawsari, who added two goals of his own to complete the emphatic 6–0 scoreline and keep Al-Hilal firmly atop the Roshn Saudi League standings.
When asked about why he left his previous club, Al-Ittihad, Benzema declined to go into details, saying:
“Let’s talk about the match only. I feel a great vibe with this group and this club.”
On the topic of not saying goodbye to his former club:
“Ask them… ask the Al-Ittihad players.”
The comments offered a glimpse into what has been a tense exit from Al-Ittihad — a club he joined in 2023 after a long and storied career at Real Madrid — but Benzema was adamant that his focus remains firmly on his new chapter in Riyadh.
Benzema’s debut performance has instantly endeared him to Al-Hilal supporters and delivered a huge boost to his team’s title ambitions. His blend of experience, precision finishing, and creative play was on full display, setting an immediate tone for what could be an influential stint in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal’s emphatic win also sent a message to rivals in the league, as Benzema helped extend his club’s dominance while making headlines across the footballing world.
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