Captain Fantastic: Karim Benzema’s Hattrick Fires Al Ittihad to a 7-1 Win Against Al Wehda
It was Karim Benzema’s night to shine as Al Ittihad emerged victors in the “Old Derby” match against Al Wehda. The 2022-23 Saudi Pro League champions won the match 7-1 and are now leading the charts with nine points from three games.
Al Ittihad’s captain, Karim Benzema, was the star of the show, starting off the game with a goal in the 2nd minute, with new signing Steven Bergwijn claiming the assist. In the 13th minute, Houssem Aouar made it 2-0.
Al Wehda fought back into the game, and in the 31st minute, a set-piece situation led to a Youssef Amyn goal, making it 2-1. The hosts made sure to head into the first-half break with a comfortable lead and did so when Fabinho headed a Moussa Diaby cross to make it 3-1.
In the second half, Benzema wasted no time getting on the scoresheet with his second goal of the match coming in the 46th minute, this time again assisted by Steven Bergwijn. Fawaz Al Yami made it five in the 55th minute and Saleh Al Shehri added a sixth in the 87th minute before Benzema completed his hattrick with the final goal of the match in the 89th minute.
Away from Benzema’s hattrick, the night was full of positives for Al Ittihad. After being cast out of the Netherlands national team, new signing Steven Bergwijn assisted two goals for Benzema. Another new signing, Moussa Diaby, controlled the midfield exceptionally and chipped in with four assists.
Al Ittihad lead the table on goal difference and are among three teams that have made a perfect start to the season with three wins in three matches. The other two are Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq and defending champions Al Hilal.
