Rodrygo reveals the selfless side of Karim Benzema, says the Real Madrid star asked him to take the match-winning penalty to complete his hat trick against Manchester City
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Karim Benzema scored the final goal of the tie from the spot but seemed happy to give the chance up to his teammate, Rodrygo. Match footage has shown Karim Benzema appearing to offer Real Madrid’s decisive Champions League semi-final second leg penalty to Rodrygo at Santiago Bernabeu so that he could complete his hat-trick against Manchester City.
Speaking about the penalty, Rodrygo revealed that Benzema offered him the decisive penalty to complete his hattrick.
“Karim came up to me and asked if I wanted to take the penalty, to score the hattrick. And of course, with the season that he’s having, the least I could do is say, ‘No, you should take it, Karim!’” stated Rodrygo.
Madrid reached their 17th European Cup final after a thrilling clash with City on Wednesday night that saw them battle back from a 5-3 aggregate deficit.
Riyad Mahrez struck in the 73rd minute to put the visitors on the brink, but Rodrygo netted an equalizer in the 90th minute before heading the Blancos into the lead on the night moments later to force extra time.
Benzema then had the final say on proceedings as he won and scored a penalty in the first half of extra time, with City unable to find a way back into the tie thereafter.
Pele delivers a special message to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo after his brace against Manchester City
Following the game, Brazil’s great Pele took to Instagram to congratulate the 19-year-old player on his achievement and also sent his best wishes to Real Madrid. Pele has been a big supporter of Rodrygo since his days at Santos, the club where Pele himself spent the majority of his professional career.
“I always knew the day to congratulate you would come, my friend. There is no other way for those who work hard and love what they do. You are enlightened and you will bring us many joys, Rodrygo. Congratulations Real Madrid! I can’t wait to watch the final!” wrote Pele.
Following this, Rodrygo also replied to Pele’s special message, thanking him for his kind words.
“Thank you for your words, King. I will never forget your words of advice and I am eternally grateful to you,” responded Rodrygo.
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Sujeeth Shetty
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