Benzema’s First-Half Hat-Trick Lifts Al-Ittihad to 4-0 Win and Fifth Straight Victory

Overview

• Al-Kholood captain William Troost-Ekong was sent off early, and Karim Benzema converted the resulting 13th-minute penalty to open the scoring.
• Benzema struck again in the 28th minute and completed his treble before halftime for his second hat-trick of the season.
• Moussa Diaby delivered the low cross for the hat-trick goal, and substitute Saleh Al-Shehri added a late fourth six minutes from time.
• The 4-0 victory gave Al-Ittihad their fifth consecutive league win.
• Al-Ittihad have 26 points in fifth place, nine behind leaders Al-Hilal, with Al-Kholood 12th on 12 points.