Al-Ittihad 7-1 Al-Wehda: Benzema treble keeps hosts perfect

Karim Benzema’s hat-trick helped Al-Ittihad maintain their perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season as they thrashed Al-Wehda 7-1 on Saturday.

Benzema opened the scoring in stunning fashion with just two minutes on the clock, curling a fine effort beyond the grasp of Ignacio de Arruabarrena.

Houssem Aouar doubled the hosts’ advantage, only for Youssef Amyn to half the deficit before Fabinho’s header in the fourth minute of first-half injury time gave Laurent Blanc’s side a comfortable advantage at the break.

Benzema struck again shortly after the restart to notch his second of the encounter before Fawaz Al Yami netted Al-Ittihad’s fifth nine minutes later.

Substitute Saleh Al Shehri thought he had concluded the scoring in the 87th minute, but Benzema was not to be denied his treble.

The Frenchman was provided with the simplest of finishes after Moussa Diaby’s cross into his path, with the former Aston Villa man laying on four assists during the game.

| Highlights from the Al-Ittihad_AlWehda game pic.twitter.com/jOGXHgTZHN

— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) September 15, 2024

Data Debrief: French connection

An emphatic triumph for the hosts saw them register an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.69 from their 15 shots, as their French forwards took centre-stage.

Benzema contributed 1.29 xG to the hosts’ total, with the Frenchman having more shots on target (five) and playing more passes in the final third (30) than any other player.

But his compatriot Diaby also impressed.

The 25-year-old ended the encounter having created more chances (five) than anyone on the pitch, with his eight touches in the opposition box the joint-most alongside Benzema.