Benzema Scores Hat-Trick and Sends Al Ittihad to the Saudi Cup Semifinals

Karim Benzema delivered a superstar performance once again, carrying Al Ittihad into the semifinals of the Saudi King’s Cup with a stunning hat-trick in a 4–1 win over Al Shabab. The French striker was the absolute protagonist of the single-elimination quarterfinal match.

Al Shabab struck first with a header from Hamdallad off a cross by Al Hammami, but the lead didn’t last. Doumbia answered with a driven shot from distance to make it 1–1, setting the stage for Benzema to take full control. The former Ballon d’Or winner put Al Ittihad ahead with a play that looked lost at first — a heavy first touch, quick recovery, and a low finish that slipped under Marcelo Grohe. From there, Benzema dictated the rhythm and dismantled Imanol Alguacil’s side.

Al Shabab searched hard for an equalizer in the second half, but Benzema shut the door with a signature counterattack. Driving through space, he faced the defender and finished with trademark calmness to widen the gap. The closing act was pure class: chest control inside the six-yard box and a volley to complete a masterful hat-trick. Al Shabab were left overwhelmed and without answers.

Al Ittihad marches on to the semifinals thanks to a resurgent Benzema, who turned the match into a personal showcase of finishing, experience, and competitive fire. Meanwhile, Al Shabab exit the tournament with the sense that they never found a way to contain the French striker.