Jan 9 (Reuters) - ‌Karim Benzema's first-half hat-trick ‌led Al-Ittihad to a 4-0 ‌win over 10-man Al-Kholood, securing their fifth consecutive victory in the Saudi ‍Pro League on Friday.

The ‍former Real ‌Madrid striker opened the scoring from ‍the ​spot in the 13th minute, after Al-Kholood ⁠captain William Troost-Ekong was sentoff ‌early.