Are you watching Nuno? Benzema nets hat-trick to help his side seal victory
Karim Benzema netted a hat-trick for Al-Ittihad just days after a supposed bust-up with Nuno Espirito Santo saw the former Spurs boss sacked as manager.
The ex-Real Madrid striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot on Friday before adding two further goals in the second half to help his side to a 4-2 win against Abha.
Al-Ittihad's victory ends a five-match winless streak in the league that contributed to the fall out between Benzema and Nuno.
Following a midweek defeat to Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Juwiya in the AFC Asian Champions League, the pair reportedly had a heated exchange in the dressing room.
Nuno, who won the Saudi Pro League title earlier this year, was dismissed just two days after the loss.
He was only able to guide the team to two wins in nine games across all competitions in his final weeks in charge.
Al-Ittihad signed N'Golo Kante and Fabinho alongside Benzema in the summer and they are currently well off the pace in the chase for the league title.
Their poor recent form has seen them fall 11 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal.
However, they did have something to smile about on Friday, as Benzema led them to victory against mid-table Abha.
The 35-year-old gave his side the lead in the 38th minute as he confidently guided a penalty beyond former Fiorentina and AC Milan goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu in the Abha goal.
One-time Lyon striker Karl Toko Ekambi drew Abha level five minutes into the second half but Al-Ittihad hit back quickly through Brazilian Igor Coronado.
Benzema then put his side into an unassailable lead, cooly slotting home after being played in on goal before tapping in an unselfish pass from Coronado.
The hat-trick moved the French striker up to joint-third in the standings for top scorer, with
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