Real Madrid 6-0 Galatasaray: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

#2 50 up for Benzema, whose tireless display earns memorable brace

After a tireless display where he scored twice and created a stoppage-time assist, Benzema impressed

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Raúl González are the only players with more goals than Karim Benzema in Champions League history. His memorable brace on this occasion takes him to 62 all-time and 50 for Madrid, who haven't always warmed to the experienced Frenchman when he battled Ronaldo for more attacking responsibility.

Since the Portuguese superstar's departure, Benzema has stepped up to the plate and although he doesn't always score, the forward continues to deliver tireless displays which justify why he has such longevity at one of the world's best and biggest clubs.

He turns 32 next month and just as Barcelona's Luis Suarez can attest, will start to physically decline at some stage. Nonetheless, his all-round contributions cannot be ignored for a Real side in transition under Zidane, who will have enjoyed what he saw from his leading frontman here.

Battling away against Marcao and particularly, Christian Luyindama at the heart of Galatasaray's backline, he didn't always come out unscathed in one-on-one duels but importantly picked his moments like the predatory striker he is. On another night, he'd have scored a hat-trick.

With 88% pass success (45 completed), he won three duels while continuing to prove himself as a reliable passing outlet (67 touches) given the visitors were caught in two minds whether to mark him or attach more attention on Real's wingers.

His two goals were both straightforward close-range efforts, teed up by Rodrygo and Carvajal - though he had to get into those dangerous positions to begin with and has an uncanny ability to find himself unmarked in those situations. Then he turned creator to return the favour with a neat through pass for Rodrygo in stoppage-time. A well-taken brace and assist taking him up to nine goals and five assists for the campaign (all comps), Karim has begun this season in excellent form.