Benzema surpasses a 60-year mark in the derby against Barcelona

The winner of the Ballon d’Or started the current season with many problems. After his turbulent return from the World Cup riddled with injuries, losing the competition even before his debut, Benzema led the Whites to victory in the middle of Barcelona’s home. Real Madrid did not take notice and with a resounding 4×0 it qualified for the main cup of Spanish football.

^{The best moments of Real Madrid’s defeat of Barclona. (Video: Playback/Youtube)}

Before the much-anticipated confrontation for the merengue fans on Sunday, the French striker had 28 direct participations in goal in the season (22 goals and 6 assists) but was left out in a third of the matches due to recurring physical problems of the world cup. A direct comparison with his season that earned him the best player in the world award last year, Benzema had 61 direct participations in goal (45 goals and 16 passes) and leaves a lot of hope for the next decisions in the season.

^{Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema celebrating a Real Madrid goal. (Reproduction: Twitter/@realmadrid)}

Remembering that Benzema is together with Uruguayan Luis Suárez (2018), Argentine Lionel Messi (2014 and 2007), Chilean Zamorano (1995) and Romário (1994) as the last five authors of hat-tricks in clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona .

The Madrid team has on its calendar, at home at the Santiago Bernabéu, a confrontation against Villareal for LaLiga. On the 12th comes the first decision in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against Chelsea in England. In the King’s Cup, it is worth remembering that Real will play against Osasuna for the cup in a neutral field in May.

Feature Photo: Benzema celebrates his hat-trick against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Playback: Twitter/@realmadrid