Benzema's Historic Hat-Trick Seals Al Ittihad's Dominant 'Old Derby' Victory
A Night to Remember: Benzema's Majestic Treble
On a memorable night in Saudi Arabia, Karim Benzema etched his name into the history books, firing a stunning hat-trick to lead Al Ittihad to a resounding 3-0 victory over Al Ahli in the highly anticipated 'Old Derby.' The French striker's clinical performance not only propelled Al Ittihad to the summit of the Saudi Pro League but also left an indelible mark on the rivalry between the two Jeddah-based giants.Benzema's first goal arrived in the 15th minute, a moment of brilliance that set the tone for the evening. With Al Ittihad enjoying a period of sustained pressure, the ball found its way to the edge of the Al Ahli penalty area, where Benzema controlled it with an exquisite first touch. In a flash, he unleashed a thunderous strike that arrowed into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The French superstar doubled his tally just before the half-hour mark, showcasing his predatory instincts in the box. A cross from the right flank found Benzema unmarked in the six-yard area, and with a deft header, he guided the ball into the net. The Al Ahli defense was left helpless as Benzema continued to torment them with his clinical finishing.
The icing on the cake came in the 53rd minute when Benzema completed his hat-trick with a stunning solo effort. Picking up the ball in midfield, the Frenchman surged forward, leaving several Al Ahli defenders in his wake. With blistering pace and incredible skill, he weaved his way into the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable shot that crashed into the back of the net. The Al Ittihad fans erupted in jubilation as Benzema became the first player to score a hat-trick in the 'Old Derby' since 2016.
Al Ittihad's Dominance: A Collective Triumph
While Benzema undoubtedly stole the headlines, the victory was a testament to the collective strength of the Al Ittihad team. The defense, marshaled by the experienced Ahmed Hegazi, was resolute throughout, thwarting every Al Ahli attacking threat with determination and composure.In midfield, the trio of Romarinho, Igor Coronado, and Haroune Camara controlled the tempo of the game with their slick passing and incisive runs. Their creativity provided a constant supply of chances for Benzema and the other Al Ittihad attackers.
Al Ahli's Disappointment: Lessons to be Learned
For Al Ahli, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. The team had entered the match with high hopes of extending their unbeaten run, but Benzema's brilliance and Al Ittihad's overall superiority proved too much to overcome.Al Ahli's defense struggled to contain Benzema's movement and clinical finishing, while their attack lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Al Ittihad backline. The defeat serves as a wake-up call for the team, highlighting the need for improvements in both defense and attack.
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