Benzema Scores as Al Hilal Draw 3–3 with Al Ahli Doha

Karim Benzema scored after three minutes as Al Hilal completed their Austrian training camp with a 3–3 draw against Al Ahli Doha. Crysencio Summerville and Sultan Mandash scored the Saudi club’s other goals in the final friendly before the 2026–27 season.

Benzema scores in the third minute

Al Hilal made an immediate breakthrough through Benzema. The French striker found space inside the penalty area and converted the opening opportunity in the third minute.

It was Benzema’s second goal across Al Hilal’s three pre-season matches. The finish continued his productive start with the Riyadh club following his arrival from Al Ittihad earlier in 2026.

Al Hilal did not retain their advantage, however. Al Ahli Doha responded as the match developed, turning the final fixture of Al Hilal’s Austrian camp into an open contest.

Summerville marks his debut with a goal

Summerville scored Al Hilal’s second goal shortly before half-time on his first appearance for the club following his move from West Ham United. Mandash then added the third in the 72nd minute, but Al Ahli recovered again and the match finished 3–3.

The result offered Simone Inzaghi another opportunity to distribute playing time and assess different attacking combinations before the start of competitive fixtures. Pre-season performances provide useful preparation, but they offer limited evidence about how an individual player or team will perform once the league begins.

Al Hilal’s attacking plans changed later in August

At the time of the friendly, Benzema was expected to compete for a leading role in an attack that also included Darwin Núñez. The questions surrounding Núñez’s position in Al Hilal’s squad later became part of the club’s wider summer planning.

Benzema’s own situation subsequently changed. On 30 August, Al Hilal announced that the club and the striker had mutually agreed to terminate their contractual relationship.

The 3–3 draw therefore remains part of Benzema’s short spell with Al Hilal, rather than evidence of his role in the club’s current squad.