LaLiga: Girona 1-4 Real Madrid; Hits and Flops

#1 Karim Benzema

Benzema opened his account for the season

Karim Benzema got off the mark in the race for the golden boot and capped it off with a brace. Real Madrid are in the hunt for a new forward but the Frenchman proved why he's been such a reliant and trusted over the last few years.

Benzema was at his usual, holding up the play, setting up passes and taking a chance or two on his own. The 30 year old completed 87% of his passes and racked up three long balls along the way as Real took control in the second half.

The striker's first goal was from the spot, a coolly converted penalty to put Real in front early in the second half. Benzema's second was during the closing stages, two touches of a Gareth Bale low cross was easily put in the bottom right corner to increase Real's to 4-1 and give them a one-goal advantage in the points table.

Benzema will pretty much have the similar amount of workload he's been used to in recent years but in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, there will be added responsibility.

But at the same time, the former Lyon striker will have an opportunity to increase his goal tally from past seasons as he can enhance and develop himself into a more out-and-out goalscorer with the service and supply he will receive from the Los Blancos playmakers.

32 - Karim Benzema has now scored against 32 of the 33 teams he has faced in La Liga (128 goals). Predatory. pic.twitter.com/WufZPIIJQa

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 26, 2018