KSAsportz report
JEDDAH — In an electrifying display, Karim Benzema showcased his talent on Saturday, scoring a remarkable hat-trick that propelled defending champions Al Ittihad to a commanding 4-1 victory over Al Shabab, securing their place in the King’s Cup semifinals.
The match kicked off with an unexpected twist as Al Shabab stunned the home crowd in the 10th minute, with former Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah netting the opener. This early goal sent shockwaves through Jeddah, but the momentum shifted just ten minutes later.
At the 20-minute mark, Mohamed Doumbia brought Al Ittihad back on level terms, igniting the home side’s resurgence.
Benzema then took the reins, scoring his first goal in the 30th minute, turning the tide to 2-1 and allowing Al Ittihad to take control of the match. Statistic-wise, this marked Benzema’s third hat-trick in the Saudi league this season, contributing to his tally of 15 goals so far.
The French superstar sealed Al Ittihad’s fate in the second half, netting two goals in a stunning two-minute span. The 84th minute saw him strike again, followed by another goal in the 86th, thus putting the match well out of Al Shabab’s reach.
This victory not only highlights Al Ittihad’s dominance but also marks the team’s successful advancement to the semifinals, where they will face off against city rivals Al Ahli, Al Hilal, and Al Kholood. With this win, Al Ittihad continues to solidify its place as a powerhouse in the King’s Cup.