Benzema Sparks Al-Ittihad's Surge with a Hat-Trick in the King’s Cup

Benzema Discovers Himself Anew, Answers the Critics

Saturday night wasn't normal for Al-Ittihad fans; it rekindled memories of the team's attacking dominance in its best seasons. On the pitch, Karim Benzema shone with an unforgettable display as he steered his side past Al-Shabab with a 4-1 scoreline.

Benzema's hat-trick reshaped the team's identity and lifted fans' ambitions ahead of the crucial rounds of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup.

Al-Ittihad did not win alone; it sent a strong message that the team remains capable of competing and that its French star can overturn the balance at any moment.

Benzema Makes History

Entering the match, Benzema carried with him a trail of questions; the recent spell hadn't been ideal for the French ace, with some critics doubting his ability to add real value to Al-Ittihad as expected after arriving from Real Madrid.

But the player who has made history across 14 years in the royal club's shirt proved again that a true goalscorer responds from inside the pitch, not outside.

From the opening whistle, it was clear Benzema was in an unusually focused mood. His movement was livelier, his touches crisper, and his attacking presence more influential. By the 30th minute, the Frenchman struck his first goal from a sharp shot inside the box, signaling a very special evening.

Continuing pressure, Benzema added two consecutive goals in minutes 84 and 86, capitalising on Shabab's defensive collapse and converting every chance with calm and veteran poise.

Benzema Writes History

The new hat-trick wasn't a mere flash of brilliance; it was a fresh chapter in his Al-Ittihad saga, with the French striker who arrived in Jeddah carrying a golden legacy from Real Madrid, lifting his tally to 52 goals for the club across all competitions, surpassing the fifty-goal mark that had long been a fan milestone.

He tallied 34 goals in the Roshn Saudi League, 9 in the King's Cup, 3 in the Asian Elite League, 3 in the Arab Championship, two in the Club World Cup, and one in the Saudi Super Cup.

This diversity in his scoring record shows a player who does not vanish in big occasions or buckle under pressure, but approaches it with the confidence of a European journeyman with over a decade of top-level football.

The hat-trick was his fourth in Al-Ittihad colors, following previous trebles against Abha, Al-Wehda, and Al-Khudhud in the league, cementing his status as one of the most dangerous forwards in modern Saudi football.

Benzema's Impact Extends Beyond Goals

Benzema's influence wasn't limited to the three goals; it also lifted the team's morale. Each strike electrified the stadium, fans regained faith, and teammates around him grew more energized. This psychological effect is what had been missing for Al-Ittihad during some stretches.

With Benzema's leadership on the pitch, directing teammates, returning to midfield to help build attacks, and pressing the opposition with professional intensity, space opened for others and the team's fighting spirit ignited.

Even players who had been struggling recently looked noticeably better, as his presence seemed to lift them and improve the team's overall level.

This kind of player, mixing skill, experience, and mental presence, leaves a mark that goes beyond scoring, influencing everyone around him and making the team more cohesive and capable of facing tougher challenges.

Al-Ittihad Regains Its Identity, Opens a New Chapter

Beating Al Shabab 4-1 was more than a path to the semi-finals; it was a signal that the side can reclaim its identity after a long spell of inconsistency. The footballing performance looked tighter, defense more organized, and the attack bolder.

With Benzema's brilliance, and renewed confidence gradually returning to the players, the team began showing a form that reflected the quality of its squad.

Fans, who had felt frustrated in recent weeks, believed again that the team could go far in the King’s Cup and compete strongly for the rest of the season.

For Benzema, Saturday night sent a clear message: the Frenchman did not come to Al-Ittihad to end his career but to write a fresh chapter, possibly steering the club toward titles long awaited.

Punchline 1: If patience is a virtue, Benzema just converted it into a hat-trick.

Punchline 2: The finishing is so sharp that even the goalposts filed a complaint for being embarrassed by all the highlights.