Benzema breaking records as Madrid smash Frankfurt in Super Cup final
Following his strike against Eintracht Frankfurt to secure the Uefa Super Cup for a record-equaling fifth time, France international Karim Benzema will enter this weekend’s start of the La Liga season in Spain as Real Madrid’s second highest goalscorer.
After latching on to a pass from Vincius Junior, the 34-year-old added Madrid’s second goal midway through the second half at the Olympiastadion in Helsinki on Wednesday night.
It was Benzema’s 324th goal for the club he joined in 2009 from Lyon. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has 450 during his nine-year career, which ended in 2018.
Before the match between the Champions League and Europa League winners, Benzema praised Ronaldo for helping him develop into a more complete striker.
“When he was here, it was a different kind of game,” Benzema recalled. “I was an assistant and many other things.”
“But he was a huge help to me both on and off the field.” I knew I could do more, and when he left, I knew it was time.
“I had to change my game and my ambition, and things are looking up right now.”
Last season, Benzema scored 44 goals in 45 games for Real Madrid. After taking over the captaincy from Marcelo, he lifted the Super Cup trophy for the first time.
Success
With their fifth title, Madrid joined fierce rivals Barcelona and AC Milan as the most successful teams in the competition.
“We didn’t have a spectacular game, but we played really well.” “As usual,” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
David Alaba scored Madrid’s first goal just before halftime. After Casemiro cushioned the ball into his path, the Austria international prodded home from close range.
Frankfurt, who defeated Rangers in a penalty shootout to win the Europa League in May, failed to threaten after Daichi Kamada missed a chance to beat Madrid goalkeeper Thibault Courtois after being sent clear by Jesper Lindström.
“This was the biggest game for many of us,” said Frankfurt defender Christopher Lenz.
“What matters is that we can create chances against the best teams.” We obviously didn’t have many, but the few that did come our way had to be used clinically.”
Frankfurt, who were defeated 6-1 by Bayern Munich in their first Bundesliga game of the season, will play Hertha Berlin on Saturday, while Madrid will begin their defense of their Spanish title at Almeria on Sunday.
Benzema’s goal-scoring exploits during Real Madrid’s run to the Champions League, La Liga, and Super Cup titles have made him the hot favorite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2022.
If he is successful, he will become only the fourth Frenchman to win one of football’s most prestigious individual awards, joining Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, and Jean-Pierre Papin.