Softfootball understands that Karim Benzema made a sensational debut for Al Hilal, scoring a hat-trick as the Saudi Pro League leaders thrashed bottom-placed Al Okhdood 6-0.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who completed a shock transfer from rivals Al-Ittihad just two days earlier, following a recent contract talks fallout with Al-Ittihad, wasted no time announcing himself in Riyadh.
After the game, Al Hilal shared a post about the result via their official X account.
The game began cautiously, with Salem Al-Dawsari initially thought to have given Al Hilal the lead in the 19th minute before VAR intervened. The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Nasser Al-Dawsari set up Benzema, who calmly finished to give Al Hilal a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Al Hilal dominate. Benzema added his second goal in the 60th minute, assisted by Malcom, and completed his hattrick four minutes later, converting a cross from Salem Al-Dawsari to make it 3-0. Benzema also set up Malcom for Al Hilal’s fourth goal in the 70th minute before being substituted to a standing ovation three minutes later.
Salem Al-Dawsari rounded off the scoring with two late goals in the 74th and 90+3rd minutes, both assisted by Malcom, sealing a comprehensive 6-0 victory.
Al Hilal now leads the Saudi Pro League with 50 points from 20 matches, while Al Okhdood remains at the bottom with 10 points. Benzema, who was also named the man of the match after the game, described his new club as Real Madrid in Asia, and his debut performance certainly lived up to the hype.
This statement debut ensures Benzema immediately becomes a central figure in Al Hilal’s title push and sets the tone for what could be a historic season in Saudi Arabia.
