"Karim Benzema netted a first-half hat-trick to propel Al-Ittihad to a 4-0 win over Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. The hosts went down to 10 men early on after William Troost-Ekong's dismissal, and Al-Ittihad took advantage to record their fifth straight league win. It was a nightmare opening 15 minutes for Al-Kholood, who saw captain Troost-Ekong sent off after just eight minutes for a last-man foul on Benzema. His yellow card was upgraded following a VAR review."
"From Moussa Diaby's resulting free-kick on the edge of the box, Al-Ittihad were awarded a 13th-minute penalty following another VAR review as Myziane Maolida deflected his shot out for a corner with his hand. Benzema made no mistake with the spot-kick, emphatically drilling it past Juan Pablo Cozzani. And he doubled his tally just 15 minutes later after peeling away at the back post to meet Muhannad Al Shanqiti's brilliant right-sided delivery."
"Benzema then got his hat-trick in the 35th minute, getting between two Al-Kholood defenders to turn Diaby's low centre in from close range. Steven Bergwijn saw an effort on the half-turn smothered just before the break, and Al-Ittihad remained in control in the second half, with Cozzani making a stunning save to deny Benzema a fourth by tipping his tight-angled volley wide."
Karim Benzema scored a first-half hat-trick as Al-Ittihad beat Al-Kholood 4-0 in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Kholood were reduced to 10 men after William Troost-Ekong was sent off in the eighth minute; his yellow was upgraded following a VAR review. A Moussa Diaby free-kick led to a 13th-minute penalty after Myziane Maolida handled, and Benzema converted. He added a second from Muhannad Al Shanqiti's cross and a third from Diaby's low centre in the 35th minute. Juan Pablo Cozzani denied a fourth with a fine save. Saleh Al Shehri completed the scoring, and Benzema has seven goals this season, including two hat-tricks, registering five shots worth 2.09 xG and nine touches in the opposition box.
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