SOCCER
Benzema is back
Hat-trick for the former Real Madrid star. He opened the scoring with a stunning goal from outside the box and finished it off with the seventh.
Karim Benzema is back. After a tough first season in Saudi Arabia, the start to this year’s campaign has seen the French forward displaying his finest form once again. With his three goals in Al Ittihad’s 7-1 win over Al Wehda, Benzema is now the top scorer in the league.
Masterclass from Benzema
It was a masterclass from start to finish, with Benzema opening and closing the scoring in a game where Al Ittihad, under Laurent Blanc’s guidance, showed little resemblance to the Marcelo Gallardo-led squad from last season.
It took less than two minutes for Benzema to make an impact. Receiving the ball on the left flank, he cut inside and unleashed a shot that flew into the top corner—vintage Benzema at his best. By halftime, the game was already decided, but Benzema wasn’t done. Just after the break, he struck again with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, sealing his brace.
Benzema ends the night in style
Even an Al Wehda consolation goal couldn’t dampen the celebration, as Al Ittihad poured on two more late goals. The final one, Benzema’s third, capped off a magical night—a hat-trick and a commanding performance. It was a fleeting glimpse of the Benzema we once knew, the one Saudi Arabia is hoping to see again this season. His start to the campaign couldn’t be more spectacular.