Turkish talent Kerem Akturkoglu’s hat-trick powers Benfica to 5-0 rout over Rio Ave
Benfica's Turkish star Kerem Akturkoglu scores a hat trick in first half of match against Rio Ave. (Photo via X)
In a dominant Portuguese League match, Turkish star Kerem Akturkoglu delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick in the first half to lead Benfica to a 5-0 victory over Rio Ave.
Benfica leads with Kerem’s hat-trick
Starting in the lineup, Akturkoglu wasted no time making his mark, scoring his first goal in the 12th minute.
Just four minutes later, the 25-year-old doubled Benfica’s lead, showcasing his clinical finishing.
As the first half drew to a close, Turkish star Akturkoglu completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, putting Benfica firmly in control with a 3-0 lead at halftime.
Akturkoglu, whose performance was key to Benfica’s commanding win, was substituted in the 62nd minute, making way for Zeki Amdouni.
This makes his fourth hat-trick in his career, previously achieving this feat twice for Türkiye’s Galatasaray and once for 24Erzincanspor.
‘I am fulfilling my dreams,’ says Turkish star as Portuguese media lauds him
In a post-match interview with Benfica TV, Turkish forward Kerem Akturkoglu expressed the team’s resolve to bounce back after their 3-1 defeat to Feyenoord in the Champions League earlier in the week, stating they successfully met that challenge.
“I am fulfilling all my dreams, and I am happy to achieve this step by step,” Akturkoglu said. “I love this stadium because it gives me a chance. I have scored in every match I have played here, and I hope it continues like this.”
Portuguese media lauded Akturkoglu for his stunning hat-trick, highlighting his significant impact on the match. O Jogo headlined their coverage with “Akturkoglu shines in Benfica’s goal fest,” while Record noted, “Akturkoglu played a dream-like first half, scoring three goals in half an hour.”
Additionally, Diario de Noticias emphasized the team’s dominance, stating, “Benfica obliterated the fragile Rio Ave with Akturkoglu hat-trick.”
Benfica secures victory with late goals
In addition to Kenan Yildiz’s impressive performance, Benfica clinched a victory with crucial late goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Amdouni, who found the net in the 79th and 81st minutes, respectively.
This win boosted Benfica’s points total to 19, allowing them to maintain their position in third place in the league standings.
