To say that Karim Benzema has stepped up to the mantle ever since Ronaldo’s departure, would be an understatement.
Fresh off single-handedly dismantling PSG in the Champions League, the striker notched up another hattrick, this time against holders Chelsea. Three goals at Stamford Bridge took his tally to 37 goals for the season, and naturally, Ballon d’Or shouts are plenty.
Aside from a gift by Chelsea Keeper Edouard Mendy, Benzema’s other goals were simply exquisite, a couple of stunning headers and he made them look way too easy.
Needless to say, rampant goal scoring must be second nature to the Frenchman and his confidence is soaring.
Such is his self-belief that the man literally knew he was going to grab a hattrick if this interaction is anything to go by. The exchange in question occurred right after Benzema’s third.
After pouncing upon a terrible error by Mendy, the Frenchman wheels away in celebration and runs straight towards the touchline. He then proceeds to celebrate with players from the Madrid bench who were warming up. Among those is fellow Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, the striker runs straight towards him and shouts “Didn’t I tell you?”, and the celebrations continued.
The single statement goes on to show the level Benzema is operating at currently, the former Lyon man simply knew this was his night.
Benzema’s hattrick puts Real Madrid in a very comfortable position going into the second leg at the Bernabeu, as for Chelsea, a herculean task awaits.
