Once again, Real Madrid have to thank Karim Benzema for one more epic UEFA Champions League night. And with tonight's result, the French footballer earned one more milestone for his illustrious career dressed in Los Blancos' jersey.
The team bounced back from a 3-0 result to take the ticket to the continental competition's semi-finals thanks to a goal by Rodrygo before the first 90 minutes came to an end. But just as it happened against PSG, Benzema would step up to lead Los Blancos to the next round taking advantage of a accurate cross by Vinicius during the first 15 minutes of extra time.
The former Lyon striker scored four of Real Madrid's five goals in the tie, giving Chelsea quite a few headaches in the Quarterfinals. Not only did he score half of the goals the English club conceded in the competition, but he also managed to earn one more record for himself during this eventful evening.
Karim Benzema = first French player to score 12 goals in a Champions League campaign (group stage to final)
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 12, 2022
Karim Benzema (2021/22)
David Trezeguet (2001/02)
Wissam Ben Yedder (2017/18)
Kylian Mbappé (2020/21)#UCL pic.twitter.com/oD8qTs5Hi1
And to think that some fans believed they would never witness a full season of Benzema's antics in front of goal. Right now, his goalscoring average is simply something else.
38 official games this season.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 12, 2022
38 goals, 12 scored in UCL.
Karim Benzema. #UCL pic.twitter.com/GbVzekdavU