Al-Ittihad started their Saudi Pro League title defense campaign with a commanding 5-2 victory over Al-Akhdoud on Saturday, in a match held during the first round of the competition.

The game, which took place at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz City Stadium in Najran, saw Al-Ittihad's French star Karim Benzema shine by scoring a hat-trick in the 4th, 51st, and 60th minutes.

Al-Ittihad's other two goals came from Dutchman Steven Berghuis in the 7th minute and via an own goal by Al-Akhdoud's Saeed Al-Rubaie in the 30th minute.

Conversely, Al-Akhdoud's two goals were scored by their Colombian player, Juan Pedroza, in the 27th and 57th minutes.

In other matches from the same round, Al-Fayha defeated Al-Fateh 2-1 in a game held at Al-Fateh Club's stadium, and Al-Qadsiah beat Al-Najma 3-1 in a match at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium.