Karim Benzema notched his second consecutive Champions League hat-trick and was named Man of the Match as Real Madrid overcame Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He led Madrid to a great win that puts the team in a very comfortable advantage, increasing the chances to pass to the next round. The Frencxhman scored two great headers after being assisted by Vini Jr and Modric and then got the most out of a misunderstanding between Rudiger and Mendy.
The forward spoke at the full-time whistle and reflected on the game in the following terms: “These are magical nights, just like the other game against Paris Saint-Germain at the Bernabéu. We came out tonight to win the game and to show what Real Madrid are all about and things worked out well for us because we performed well from start to finish”.
“We're in good shape and fought until the very end. We came into the game to win and when Madrid take that approach it's really positive for us. We now face a game in front of our fans, at our stadium and will be giving our all to win the game, which is also a very important one”, he added.
Goals: “The three goals are really important. I’m most pleased about scoring the third because I missed one in the first half and I was thinking about that. It’s important to score goals. Then I got another chance and I scored, so I’m really pleased”.
Ancelotti: “I always say that he’s one of the best managers in the world. We have a lot of faith in him and whenever he puts Valverde on the right or another lad, they do a good job”.
The Frenchman was also named Champions League player of the week after a vote on uefa.com. The Real Madrid striker, whose hat-trick inspired his side to victory, received the most votes ahead of De Bruyne (Manchester City), Luis Díaz (Liverpool) and Lo Celso (Villarreal). Also, the Frenchman’s first headed goal to make it 0-1 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was voted as the goal of the week.
After that day, Karim Benzema was also named Real Madrid's Healthiest Player of 2021. Iñaki Peralta, CEO of Sanitas, the club's official healthcare provider, awarded the forward the prize before training at Real Madrid City. Benzema received the most votes from the fans, who emphasised his ability "to inspire them to play sport".
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