Al Hilal won their first 2023-2024 Saudi Pro League season on Monday night, defeating Abha 3-1 with the help of a hat-trick from Brazilian star Malcolm.
Malcolm scored in the 31st minute, tapping in a pass from Nasr Al Dawsari. Abha equalized in the 33rd minute through Saad Guir, but Malcolm restored Al Hilal’s lead in the 55th minute. He completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute, firing a volley from Mohamed Kano’s pass home.
Malcolm was forced off injured in the 81st minute, but his performance was enough to earn him the Man of the Match award.

Karim Benzema debuted in other matches for Al Ittihad, but the former Real Madrid striker could not find the net as his side defeated Al Raed 3-0. Igor Coronado scored two goals for the former champions, while Abdrazak Hamdallah added the other.
Al Sadaw and Al Akhdud shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, while Al Itifaq beat Al Nasr 2-1