The two men know each other by heart, appreciate each other and never cease to express their mutual respect.
And when the magic happens, Carlo Ancelotti rubs his hands.
On Wednesday evening, Real Madrid swept the Catalan rival in the Copa del Rey semi-final (0-4), with a hat-trick from Karim Benzema.
To the delight of the Italian technician, still under the spell.
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“
The work he did during the international break helped him a lot
, he says to explain the return to great shape of the French international, cold with Didier Deschamps but still as decisive with Real Madrid.
He is in optimal physical condition, and with the qualities he has, he inevitably creates differences.
He remains one of the best players in the world.
Not just attackers.
He's one of the best players in the world right now
."
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In the crazy evening, euphoria even seized Spanish journalists, who asked Ancelotti if Benzema could again go for the Ballon d'Or 2023. With a smile, the former coach of Paris SG or Bayern Munich did not close the door.
Far from there.
“
And why not?!
“, he claimed.
Karim Benzema is not leaving with the favors of the forecasts, between his absence from the World Cup, Real's 2nd place in La Liga or his first part of the season marred by injuries.
But an XXL course in the Champions League, like what he achieved last year, can give him hope.
It can start on Wednesday against Chelsea in the quarter-final first leg.
The Bernabeu public is waiting for that.
