Karim Benzema celebrates his first goal on Al-Shabab. (X @Ittihad)
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Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Karim Benzema delivered a vintage performance on Saturday, scoring a superb hat-trick to lead defending champions Al Ittihad to a 4-1 victory over Al Shabab and into the King’s Cup semifinals.
Al Shabab stunned the home crowd early when former Ittihad striker Abderrazak Hamdallah put the visitors ahead.
However, the lead lasted only until the 20th minute, when Mohamed Doumbia drew Al Ittihad level.
Ten minutes later, Benzema completed the turnaround, firing in his first of the night to make it 2-1 as the Jeddah side took control of the quarterfinal.
The French superstar then sealed qualification in emphatic fashion in the second half, completing his hat-trick in just two minutes — striking in the 84th minute before adding another in the 86th — to put the match out of reach and book Al Ittihad’s place in the last four.
With the win, Al Ittihad join city rivals Al Ahli, Al Hilal and Al Kholood in the King’s Cup semifinals.
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