Al-Ittihad win Saudi league opener, Al-Hilal’s Malcom nets hat-trick
Al-Ittihad began their Saudi Pro League title defence with an emphatic 3-0 win over Al-Raed on Monday while Al-Hilal's Malcom grabbed a hat-trick to secure a 3-1 win over Abha. Al-Ittihad, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, lined up with Ballon d'Or winner and former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema leading the line while N'Golo Kante and Fabinho anchored the midfield.