Karim Benzema’s hat-trick helped Al-Ittihad keep their excellent begin to the Saudi Professional League season as they thrashed Al-Wehda 7-1 on Saturday.
Benzema opened the scoring in gorgeous vogue with simply two minutes on the clock, curling a tremendous effort past the grasp of Ignacio de Arruabarrena.
Houssem Aouar doubled the hosts’ benefit, just for Youssef Amyn to half the deficit earlier than Fabinho’s header within the fourth minute of first-half damage time gave Laurent Blanc’s aspect a snug benefit on the break.
Benzema struck once more shortly after the restart to notch his second of the encounter earlier than Fawaz Al Yami netted Al-Ittihad’s fifth 9 minutes later.
Substitute Saleh Al Shehri thought he had concluded the scoring within the 87th minute, however Benzema was to not be denied his treble.
The Frenchman was supplied with the best of finishes after Moussa Diaby’s cross into his path, with the previous Aston Villa man laying on 4 assists throughout the sport.
| Highlights from the Al-Ittihad_AlWehda sport pic.twitter.com/jOGXHgTZHN
— Al-Ittihad Membership (@ittihad_en) September 15, 2024
Information Debrief: French connection
An emphatic triumph for the hosts noticed them register an anticipated targets (xG) tally of three.69 from their 15 pictures, as their French forwards took centre-stage.
Benzema contributed 1.29 xG to the hosts’ whole, with the Frenchman having extra pictures on track (5) and enjoying extra passes within the last third (30) than some other participant.
However his compatriot Diaby additionally impressed.
The 25-year-old ended the encounter having created extra probabilities (5) than anybody on the pitch, together with his eight touches within the opposition field the joint-most alongside Benzema.
