SPL Week 3: Benzema treble powers Al Ittihad to victory, Al Nassr rescues draw

Benzema's heroics guide Al Ittihad to another win

Karim Benzema continued his impressive start to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) season with a hat-trick as Al Ittihad maintained their perfect start with a 3-1 victory over Al Shabab on Saturday.

The Frenchman opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a stunning free-kick, before doubling the lead just after the half-hour mark with a clinical finish from inside the box.

Al Shabab pulled one back through Fahd Al Muwallad in the 55th minute, but Benzema completed his hat-trick just three minutes later to seal the victory for Al Ittihad.

Al Nassr rescues draw against Al Taawoun

Al Nassr came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against Al Taawoun in another thrilling SPL encounter on Saturday.

Al Taawoun took the lead in the 35th minute through Ibrahim Al Nakhli, but Al Nassr levelled the scores just before half-time through Talisca.

Al Taawoun regained the lead in the 65th minute through Alvaro Medran, but Al Nassr snatched a late equaliser through Anderson Talisca in the 87th minute to earn a point.

Other results from SPL Week 3

• Al Hilal 2-0 Al Raed
• Al Feiha 1-0 Al Adalah
• Al Fateh 1-1 Damac
• Al Wahda 2-1 Abha
• Al Batin 0-3 Al Khaleej

SPL Standings after Week 3

Al Ittihad remain top of the SPL standings after three games, with nine points from nine. Al Nassr are in second place with seven points, followed by Al Hilal in third with six points.