It took him half an hour to properly celebrate his arrival at the leader of the Saudi Pro League. This Thursday, Karim Benzema led Al-Hilal to a big victory against Al-Okhdood, penultimate in the Saudi Arabian Championship (6-0). It’s simple, the 38-year-old striker scored his team’s first three goals for a nice hat-trick (31st, 60th and 64th).
The former Real Madrid striker did not score the most difficult goals of his career, but he shone with his sense of positioning and inspired calls. If he concluded with simplicity and with the inside of his right foot on his 2nd and 3rd goals, he added an artistic note to the opening of the mark via a successful backheel from the opponent’s 5.50 m.
A bonus assist
The ex-French international did not stop there as he sent a decisive pass to Malcom for the fourth (70th). Coming out two minutes later, he saw his teammates add two additional achievements to the total.
Benzema’s entry was expected after his departure with serious consequences from Al-Ittihad. While his contract ended in June, the 2022 Ballon d’or would have received an “insulting” extension proposal, according to his entourage.
He did not play two matches in late January and early February before being transferred from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, two clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Three days after his arrival, viewed negatively by Cristiano Ronaldo, third in the Championship with Al-Nassr, the Lyonnais is already adopted.
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