Saudi Gazette report
NAJRAN — Al Ittihad launched their Roshn Saudi League title defence in ruthless trend with a 5-2 victory over Al Okhdood on Saturday, impressed by a Karim Benzema hat-trick.
At a buzzing Prince Hathloul Sports activities Metropolis, Laurent Blanc’s facet raced right into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes.
Benzema opened the scoring with a trademark header earlier than Steven Bergwijn shortly added a second.
The hosts hit again when Colombian midfielder Juan Sebastián Pedroza halved the deficit simply earlier than the half-hour mark, however their momentum was reduce brief nearly instantly when Saeed Al Rubaie diverted Bergwijn’s free-kick into his personal internet.
Benzema struck once more three minutes after the restart, ending Fabinho’s go, just for Pedroza to reply as soon as extra for Al Okhdood. But Al Ittihad wouldn’t be denied, with the Frenchman finishing his hat-trick on the hour with a cushioned volley on the again put up.
Al Okhdood’s evening worsened when Naif Asiri was dismissed late on for a second reserving.
By then, Benzema had already secured the match ball and the Man of the Match award, underlining his intent to mount a golden boot problem after ending third within the race final season.
