Karim Benzema’s hat-trick in the quarter-finals of the first leg of the Champions League 2021-2022 broke Chelsea’s mentality at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, known for their solid defense, was crushed by Benzema’s movement and effectiveness. Suddenly, Benzema became the byword of football lovers. Several football legends also praised Benzema’s brilliance. Rio Ferdinand even stated that Benzema deserved to win the Ballon d’Or trophy this season.
Benzema’s hat-trick is the second time in a row. Previously, Benzema’s hat-trick brought down Paris Saint Germain (PSG) in the 2nd leg in the round of 16. The energy displayed by Benzema against PSG is exactly the same as that shown at Stamford Bridge. Thanks to Benzema’s three goals against E. Mendy, Real Madrid’s chances of advancing to the semifinals are even greater. Luka Modric’s prediction that if Madrid can replace PSG in the round of 16, Madrid can win the Champions League trophy this season is getting closer to reality.
Of course, against Madrid in the semifinals is not too easy. Between Atletico Madrid or Manchester City. However, if Madrid, especially Benzema’s performance remains captivating as shown in the match against Chelsea, Madrid’s chances of winning the championship stage could be wide open. Three goals against Chelsea is just one of the brilliant records of the French national team striker this season.
So far, Benzema occupies the first place as the top scorer in the Spanish La Liga. Also Benzema helped Madrid to be at the top of the Spanish La Liga standings. In general, Benzema has recorded 37 goals, 13 assists from 36 matches he played. And, Benzema is already 34 years old. That is, Benzema managed to overcome the age factor to keep performing at the highest level.
Benzema’s role for Madrid cannot be doubted. Even Benzema has an effect on his teammates. Vinicius Jr. who became Benzema’s partner on the front lines looked effective. However, in the absence of Benzema, Vinicius Jr. it looks aggressive but lacking in finishing.
It was proven in the match against Barcelona in the last El Clasico where Benzema was absent. Madrid, who lost 0-4 to Barca, felt a loss for Benzema on the front lines. Vinicius’s penetration seemed to be one-sided because it was not matched by Benzema’s effectiveness.
Maybe the story was different if Benzema was played at that time. Yes, as stated by Iker Casillas in praising Benzema’s performance against Chelsea by stating Benzema is the best number 9 player at the moment. Benzema’s name is getting more fragrant this season. At 34 years old, Benzema still shows the consistency that keeps Madrid flying high.
The English team, which is known to play fast and hard, is not an obstacle for Benzema to play at the best level. In fact, Chelsea seems to need to learn from Benzema who plays effectively up front. In fact, Benzema was even more brilliant when Cristiano Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus in 2018. Since 2018, from 183 matches Karim Benzema has scored 124 goals.
Ronaldo’s departure left a hole in the front line. Inevitably, Benzema and Gareth Bale are trusted to fill the left hole. It is not easy to replace Ronaldo, who has scored goals for Madrid. Slowly but surely, Benzema began to fill the gap left by Ronaldo, while Bale appeared to slump.
Benzema managed to appear consistent and began to crawl up to become one of the top scorers in Madrid. When Ronaldo was still in Madrid, Benzema’s role seemed to be a “servant” of Ronaldo. The number of goals and assists is not too striking, but his movement helps Ronaldo in terms of goals. Interestingly, Benzema’s quality did not sink in between Ronaldo’s brilliance. Benzema still looks professional, and is a partner who is also consistent with Ronaldo on the front lines.
The situation was different when Ronaldo left. Benzema gets the freedom up front. What’s more, Gareth Bale, who was predicted to be Ronaldo’s replacement, began to appear inconsistent. Benzema also became a mainstay of Madrid on the front lines. He became one of the veteran players who are still trusted in the Madrid squad until this season. Even his brilliance seems to bury Ronaldo’s shadow and also forgets Bale’s inconsistency on the front lines.
Benzema’s rays became even more brilliant because he still maintained his professionalism as a footballer. Coaches may change and young strikers may arrive, but Benzema is still at his best. The young players are not seen as a threat, but as partners. Vinicius Jr. including one of the players who benefited from the presence of Benzema.
This teenage player is privileged because Benzema also often creates opportunities for him to score goals. So, in addition to registering a number of assists, Vinicius also became Madrid’s goal barn on the front lines. With this, Benzema became a mentor for Vinicius.
Benzema’s performance and professionalism have become a very valuable legacy at Madrid. The three goals against Mendy not only made Benzema proud, but also emphasized Benzema’s quality and professionalism as a Madrid player.
ASL
