Goals, records, a title in sight ... with Real, Benzema is exceptional

"With Karim, everything is easier"; "Indisputable" ... Benzema has multiplied the titles to its glory in recent months. Marca or AS, the two most popular sports dailies in Madrid and Spain, regularly put it on the front page. For the simplest of reasons: the number 9 Real Madrid keeps scoring and breaking records under a tunic he has been wearing since July 2009. During a mixed season for Real, which could end untitled, "KB9" was the only Madrid to escape questioning or negative criticism. Which, in Madrid, is a feat as even Zinédine Zidane hears his ears whistling every week.

Let's start with the numbers: 45 appearances, 29 goals, 8 assists.

Totals not up to Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi but which should be put in perspective with the reality of Madrid today.

The second top scorer?

Marco Asensio and Casemiro with… 7 units only.

Benzema responds almost on his own.

When Real were on the brink of elimination in the Champions League group stage?

Double against Mönchengladbach.

When do Real Madrid have to win to believe in the title?

Two goals against Atlético or Barça with the captain's armband around the arm.

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"We take advantage of him and I hope that Real Madrid will be able to take advantage of him for a long time to come," said Zinédine Zidane at the end of April after a double from his striker in the league. At the height of his 33 years, Benzema has led his team to a new Champions League semi-final (his personal ninth) and will play the La Liga title on the last day, this Saturday, May 22. His season is so crazy that his contract extension until June 2023 (one more year) is no longer in doubt and will be initialed in the coming weeks.

That would mean two more years and a total of 14 seasons in the White House. What to pile up new records or amplify his own. One of the most symbolic was signed on April 27 with a goal in the C1 semi-final against Chelsea. Benzema scored his 71st goal in the Champions League, equaling the total of… Raul, absolute legend of Real Madrid and favorite to succeed Zidane on the sidelines. Last December, with 528 appearances, he overtook another legend, Roberto Carlos, by becoming the most capped foreigner in Real history. In front of Marcelo, yet arrived four years before Benzema in Spain ...

71 - Karim Benzema has scored the 71st goal of his Champions League career, tying Raul for the 4th highest scorer in the competition.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have done better in the history of the LoC.

Quarté.

#RMACHE pic.twitter.com/zKXq7Jioxj

- OptaJean (@OptaJean) April 27, 2021

The question is no longer whether the native of Bron (Rhône), in the suburbs of Lyon, enters the club's circle of legends with the 13 Champions League (including 4 for Benzema).

But rather where is it located?

In the top 10, the top 5?

He only has one individual trophy left to fetch: the Golden Ball.

In the event of a La Liga title and selection with the Blues for the Euro, nothing is impossible.