Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol: 4 Talking Points

Modified Dec 07, 2019 15:52 GMT

2. Karim Benzema continues with his fine run of form

Benzema scored his 11th goal of the campaign

A little over two years ago, many were questioning the importance of Karim Benzema to the Real Madrid squad after the Frenchman scored the rather meagre total of just five goals from 32 matches in LaLiga.

It was suggested that his time at the top was finished and that the club should find a new striker, with those calls getting louder when the main source of goals, Cristiano Ronaldo departed.

Those who opined that Benzema could not lead the line at the Bernabeu got the shock of their lives, as the 31-year-old turned out to be the club's standout player in the immediate aftermath of Ronaldo's sale, scoring 30 goals in all competitions to help Real Madrid save face in what was a disastrous campaign.

This season, the former Lyon man has continued from where he left off and after missing a gilt-edged chance midway through the second half, he made amends to put Real Madrid 2-0 up in the 77th minute.

The goal brought his tally this season to 11 goals and five assists from 14 matches, sending him top of the scorers' chart and with Zidane still very distrustful of Luka Jovic, Benzema is still Real Madrid's go-to man in front of goal.

About the author

Elvis is a seasoned football journalist and has been with Sportskeeda for more than 6 years. He specializes in writing match previews across several leagues and competitions around the world, and his insightful tips have amassed a total readership in excess of 9.2 million till date. Elvis' meticulous attention to detail and strictly following SK's editorial guidelines have been key to achieving a vast readership. He has also exclusively covered the 2021 Nigerian Universiy Games and has provided research for an upcoming biography for a Nigerian football legend.

Elvis has been a Super Eagles fan since 2004, and them beating defending champions Cameroon in the AFCON that year left a lasting impact on him. He supports Sporting Lagos at club level and loves to watch games live at the Onikan Stadium due to its buzzing atmosphere. His favorite football players are former Nigerian forward, Osaze Odemwingie and former Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez.

If Elvis could change one football rule, it would be to not be booked for celebrating with pitch side fans. He believes that football is a passionate game and celebrations should be encouraged to the fullest. When not analyzing the latest previews, Elvis indulges in activities such as swimming, reading, and karaoke.

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Edited by Sai Teja