Real Madrid 3-2 Levante: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | La Liga 2019/20

#2 Karim Benzema has a stunning game

Benzema (R) was brilliant for Real Madrid

Karim Benzema has been one of Real Madrid’s stand-out performers over the past few months, courtesy a string of goals and dominant displays. Inevitably, in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era, the goal-scoring mantle has fallen on the Frenchman's shoulders and he has stood up admirably.

Against Levante, Benzema was irresistible at times. The striker dragged the visitors’ defenders into uncomfortable areas and that led to the creation of several opportunities.

Though Vinicius couldn’t really apply the finishing touches to those moves, the inter-play between the Frenchman and the Brazilian was quite encouraging.

Additionally, Benzema worked hard for his team and pressed high up the pitch. The tactic allowed the hosts to wrestle away control from Levante, resulting in a three-goal salvo in the first half, which included two goals for the Frenchman.

The forward also struck the bar once in the second period when he twisted and turned outside the penalty box. After making a yard for himself to shoot, he curled a sumptuous right-footed shot, only to see it come back off the base of the post.

Over the years, not many have appreciated the qualities Benzema brings to the table, with numerous fans criticising him for an inferior goal-scoring record as compared to his peers.

However, the Frenchman brings much more to the table than just goals. He is an extremely vital cog of Zidane’s wheel at Madrid and if he fires on all cylinders throughout the term, Los Blancos could just challenge for top honours again.