Karim Benzema nets first hat trick in Al Hilal’s decisive victory.
Karim Benzema made an immediate impression after his controversial transfer to Al Hilal, netting a hat trick in his first match for the Saudi Pro League team.
The ex-Real Madrid striker officially joined the Saudi Pro League leaders on Monday, moving from rivals Al Ittihad.
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After the transfer was delayed by the Saudi Ministry of Sports and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the issues were settled on deadline day, allowing the 38-year-old to fulfill his desire to switch Saudi clubs.
His inaugural goal for the new team arrived just 31 minutes into his debut against Al Okhdood on Thursday, where he scored with a clever back-heeled shot.
Two additional goals quickly followed in the second half. In the 60th minute, Benzema converted with a side-footed shot after receiving a pass from new teammate Malcom, and just four minutes later, he completed his hat trick with a finish from close range.
Al Hilal secured a 6-0 victory and now sits three points ahead of Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr trailing by another point, although they have a game in hand.
ESPN reported that Benzema felt undervalued by the contract extension proposed by Al Ittihad. However, his transfer to Al Hilal, facilitated by PIF, has reportedly upset his former Madrid teammate Ronaldo.
The Portuguese star subsequently declined to participate for Al Nassr on Monday in protest. Sources informed ESPN that Ronaldo attempted to obstruct Benzema’s transfer, believing it to be unjust and suggesting that PIF aimed to create an advantage for Al Hilal in their pursuit of the title.
