Carlo Ancelotti admits his star striker Karim Benzema is ‘getting better every day – just like a fine wine’ after his hat-trick put Real Madrid in complete control of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Chelsea.
Benzema took his startling season’s tally to 37 goals in 36 games in all competitions with another three-goal showing following his hat-trick against PSG in the last-16.
The 34-year-old Real captain now boasts hat-tricks in successive Champions League matches and also 13 goals in his last seven Madrid games in all competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti admits Karim Benzema is ‘getting better every day – just like a fine wine’
The Real Madrid boss praised his captain after another outstanding display against Chelsea
‘Karim Benzema is getting better every day; just like a fine wine,’ said Real coach Ancelotti.
‘He’s more of a leader every day, he feels more and more important in this team and this squad. And I think that’s what makes the difference.
‘He has so much more personality, he knows he’s a very important player for us and he’s an example for everyone.
‘I think the most important thing was the bravery that the players showed. The key was that we brought the ball out from the back very well, we were able to get between the lines and Vinicius and Karim Benzema were very dangerous. Both of them linked up very well.’
Benzema scored two sublime headers in the space of three minutes last night in west London
The 34-year-old Real captain now boasts hat-tricks in successive Champions League matches
Ancelotti returned a negative Covid test just in time to link up with his Madrid squad on the day, with the 60-year-old in good health – but still wary of a wounded Chelsea for the second-leg.
‘I’m feeling good, I haven’t really had any symptoms,’ said Ancelotti. I managed to make it back fortunately the team has done really well.
‘It was a really good performance, we played well, we were brave, we showed our personality.
‘We have a lead but that’s all it is at this stage. The tie is still open. Chelsea are a good team and we respect them, there’s another game to go and anything can happen.’
