“He is in prime,” Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti backs Karim Benzema to win second consecutive Ballon d’Or
Ancelotti praised Benzema after his good run of form.
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Carlo Ancelotti believes Karim Benzema can win the Ballon d’Or again after scoring consecutive hat-tricks for Real Madrid. Benzema added to his treble with a 6-0 La Liga victory over Real Valladolid last week. In Wednesday’s 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final second leg at Barcelona, he scored three more goals.
It is the first time in his Madrid career that the former France international has scored consecutive hat-tricks. After an outstanding season for Los Blancos, the Frenchman won the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2022. Ancelotti believes Benzema can win the individual award again.
“Why not?” Ancelotti made the remarks following his team’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Barcelona. “He remains one of the world’s best players – and not just attacking players.” Benzema has 25 goals in 31 games this season. Only Robert Lewandowski (27), Marcus Rashford (28), Kylian Mbappe (31) and Erling Haaland have more (42).
Since the World Cup, he has scored 19 goals in 19 games. Back-to-back hat tricks for the 35-year-old have come right after the international break. “The work he did during the international break was extremely beneficial to him,” Ancelotti said. In December, Benzema announced his latest retirement from France duty.
“He is in prime physical condition. With the qualities he has, he inevitably makes a difference for us.” On May 6, Real Madrid will face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-1 on aggregate following an emphatic second-leg performance. Meanwhile, Osasuna defeated Athletic Bilbao with a late winner.
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Carlo Ancelotti discusses Barcelona thrashing
Ancelotti claimed his team was superior in all areas on Wednesday night, and the scoreline reflected the same. Real Madrid won 4-0 thanks to goals from Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema.
“We played a great game, and it was a deserved result,” he said. “We did very well in the second half, in a very difficult game. When we had the opportunity, we created danger in transitions.”
“We delivered on everything, both offensively and defensively. Vinicius has complied, he scored and Benzema has also returned. Today, he has been as decisive as he always is.” The match against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals is scheduled for next Wednesday. Real Madrid and the Blues are the last two winners of the Champions League and face off in what is bound to be an entertaining affair.
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Arpan Ghosh
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