Benzema's Saudi masterclass: hat-trick debut for Al-Hilal

Saudi football has been shaken in recent days by Karim Benzema's sudden exit from Al-Ittihad. Frustrated by a much smaller contract extension offer, the angry Frenchman went on strike, leaving the club six months before the expiration of his deal.

Al-Hilal pounced immediately.

Ronaldo lost, Benzema ends up in Al Hilal after all

The country's most successful club reached an agreement with Benzema, swiftly secured Al-Ittihad's blessing, and wasted no time integrating him into their squad - a move that left Cristiano Ronaldo seething, convinced that the PIF-backed league favours rival clubs.

The decision proved spectacular. On his debut on late Thursday night, Benzema scored a hat-trick in a 6‑0 rout of struggling Al-Okhdood, immediately showing why he will be a game-changer for his new side.

Al-Hilal had struggled for a central striker since Aleksandar Mitrovic's injury in the latter part of last season. Darwin Nunez failed to hit the mark, making Benzema's surprise arrival a perfect solution.

Benzema started the match just two days after joining, slotting into a near-full-strength lineup with seven foreigners out of eight allowed.

Under Simeone Inzaghi, the untouchables include goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Kalidou Koulibaly, left-back Theo Hernandez, midfielders Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves, and forwards Malcom and Benzema himself.

Al-Okhdood held firm for the opening 30 minutes, but then Benzema's fireworks began. He flicked in a rebound after a one-two between Naser Al Dawsari and Neves to break the deadlock. Benzema's second was a simple finish into an empty net from Al Dawsari's perfect assist. Finally, the veteran striker sealed a perfect debut with his third, after another Al Dawsari's pass. The latter added two more assists and two goals, while Malcom also found the back of the net.