Cristiano Ronaldo's strike protest is blamed on Benzema; Al Hilal's debut hat-trick leads them to top the Saudi Pro League, setting two major records.

Romano reports that Ronaldo remains on strike. While many supporters may find Ronaldo's behavior puzzling, seeing Benzema’s first match with Al Hilal in Riyadh makes it all understandable. At this stage, Benzema is much stronger than Ronaldo, serving as both a deadly striker and an attacking catalyst.

With Benzema transferring from the defending Saudi Pro League champions to leaders Al Hilal, the 21st round saw Al Hilal visit Al Akhdoud. Benzema made his debut for Al Hilal, starting and playing 72 minutes before being substituted. He scored a hat-trick, helping Al Hilal secure a 6-0 away victory over Al Akhdoud, earning 3 points to lead the Saudi Pro League standings. Meanwhile, Al Nassr hosted Al-Ittihad this round, with Ronaldo still on strike, currently trailing the leaders by 4 points in third place.

In this match, Benzema scored the team's first three goals, including one assisted by Malcolm. Benzema reciprocated by assisting Malcolm as well. After the game, Benzema, with 3 goals and 1 assist, received the highest rating of 9.7, while Malcolm earned a perfect 10 for his 3 assists and 1 goal. Benzema’s arrival, with his strong hold-up play and scoring ability, has fully activated Al Hilal’s two wings: left winger S. Dosari with 2 goals and 1 assist, and right winger Malcolm with 3 goals and 1 assist. This is a capability that Nunez completely lacks. The 38-year-old Benzema is clearly superior to the 26-year-old Nunez.

Benzema’s honeymoon period with Al Hilal has been very sweet, and he has set two major personal records.Benzema achieved the first-ever hat-trick in his professional career debut, which is also the fastest time he has scored his first goal (31 minutes).Watching Benzema’s brilliant performance in his debut for Al Hilal, Al Nassr’s championship hopes, now 4 points behind with one game less played, have significantly diminished. It’s no wonder Ronaldo is upset. Benzema joining Al Hilal has strengthened an already strong squad, whereas Ronaldo, playing as a striker who relies on service, struggles even with signings like Felix and Coman to make Al Nassr play cohesive football.Both Benzema and Ronaldo play as strikers, but the biggest difference at this stage is that Benzema activates the wingers, while Ronaldo drains them, constantly needing to be fed by the Portuguese star, lacking creativity himself.