Benzema leads Al Akhdoud v Al Hilal with no Benfica in sight | OneFootball

Karim Benzema had a dream debut for Al Hilal. At a time when several elements of the Saudi league, like Jorge Jesus, are on a boycott, the former French international led Al Hilal to a 6-0 thrashing of Al Akhdoud, in a match where there were no former Benfica players on the field.

Signed from Al Ittihad on the last day of the transfer window, the former Ballon d'Or winner took charge of the Saudi team and, in his first starting game, scored a hat-trick and provided an assist. Marcos Leonardo, who did not leave the club in the winter market, was not among Simone Inzaghi's options, just like Darwin Núñez.

Al Hilal's stroll at Al Akhdoud's ground started well, with the opening goal coming in the 31st minute, scored by debutant Benzema. However, the Saudis couldn't extend their lead and went into halftime with a narrow advantage.

Nonetheless, the best was reserved for the second half, where the number 90 made the difference. In the 60th minute, Benzema scored his second goal, putting the visitors ahead 2-0. Four minutes later, the usual suspect completed his hat-trick. However, the Frenchman wasn't done yet and assisted for Malcolm's goal, making it 4-0. Salem Al Dawsari scored the remaining goals of the match, closing the score at 6-0.

With this thrashing, Al Hilal returns to winning ways after conceding two draws in the league. Thanks to Benzema, Simone Inzaghi's team strengthened their lead in the Saudi league, with 50 points, ahead of Al Ahli (47). Al Nassr, a direct rival, is in third place (46), but with one game in hand.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.