Was Karim Benzema fit or not for the end of the 2022 World Cup as his entourage suggested?
The question will remain open, but the Ballon d'Or 2022 can now move on.
And how !
Real Madrid's number 9 signed his big comeback, more than two months after his last start (3-0 victory against Elche on October 19) by signing a double at the end of the match.
The two goals from the French scored in the 83rd and 89th minute allowed the White House to get rid of Valladolid (2-0) on Friday evening.
The top scorer in the Spanish league last season had to wait until the last ten minutes of the game to stand out.
"KB9" first converted a penalty obtained by Antonio Rüdiger whose header from a corner kick by Toni Kroos was deflected with the hand by Javier Sanchez.
The French striker quietly took the opposite goalkeeper to score his sixth goal of the season in La Liga.
[📺LIVE] 🇪🇸 #LaLiga
🔥 Benzema delivers Real!!!
💪 On a perfectly shot penalty, Nueve opens the scoring at the very end of the match! https://t.co/zue1WL48XZ
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) December 30, 2022
Real in the lead while waiting for Barça
Six minutes later, Karim Benzema finds himself at the conclusion of a magnificent breakthrough from Eduardo Camavinga.
Well served by Modric on the left side, the former Rennais dropped a cross back into the feet of the Madrid striker who, after a check from 7m, quietly placed the ball in the back of the net with a flat foot.
2-0, final score.
Benzema can also thank Thibault Courtois, author of two important parades during the game.
Also note the entry into play of Blue Aurélien Tchouaméni at the very end of the game.
Thanks to its victory in Valladolid counting for the 15th day, Real Madrid of Carlo Ancelotti, regains the lead of the championship with a point ahead of FC Barcelona, but one more match on the clock.
The Catalans receive Espanyol this Sunday (2 p.m.) for the Barcelona derby.
