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April 8 (Reuters Sports Service) - Karim Benzema scored a first-half hat-trick and provided a second-half assist to lead Al Hilal to a resounding 6-0 victory over visiting Al Kholoud and a return to winning ways in the Saudi Professional League on Wednesday.

Al-Hilal started the match strongly, hoping to return to winning ways after their draw against Al-Taawoun in their previous league game. They quickly took the lead in the seventh minute with a low, curling shot from Mutaib Al-Harbi that found the far post and into the net.

Benzema scored the second goal just a minute later with a close-range shot, capping off a swift counter-attack after Malcom's run down the right flank. The goal was awarded after a VAR review confirmed there was no offside.

In the 29th minute, the referee awarded a penalty kick to Al-Hilal after Al-Kholoud defender Mohammed Souan tackled Malcolm inside the area.

The former Real Madrid and Al-Ittihad player stepped up to take the penalty. Although goalkeeper Juan Pablo Cuzzani saved the Frenchman's initial attempt, Benzema pounced on the rebound and headed it into the net, scoring the third goal in the 31st minute.

In the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, Benzema scored Al Hilal's fourth goal with a direct shot from close range, taking advantage of a perfect cross from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Ten minutes into the second half, Salem Al-Dawsari scored the fifth goal before Marcus Leonardo completed the scoring in the 76th minute , assisted by Benzema .

Al Hilal's tally rises to 68 points from 28 matches, placing them second, two points ahead of Al Ahli, who drew 1-1 with Al Fayha earlier today.

Al-Nasr leads the standings with 70 points from 27 matches.

Al-Khuloud's tally remains frozen at 26 points in 14th place, six points clear of the relegation zone.

The two teams will face each other again in the King's Cup final.