Real Madrid: Benzema responds to Vinícius criticism claims

Karim Benzema has taken to social media with a cryptic message in which he appeared to dismiss claims that he told Ferland Mendy not to pass to fellow Real Madrid team-mate Vinícius Júnior.

Téléfoot images show Benzema allegedly criticising Vinícius

According to French TV, Benzema could be heard voicing his displeasure at Vinícius’ performance at half time of Madrid’s Champions League draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Tuesday.

The programme Téléfoot broadcast a video in which Benzema allegedly complains to fellow Frenchman Mendy about Vinícius, although it should be noted that the Brazilian is never mentioned by name.

“He does what he wants,” Benzema said to Mendy, per Téléfoot. “Don’t play with him, brother. He plays against us.” The pair could then be seen in conversation with Vinícius as Madrid returned to the Borussia-Park field for the second half.

Benzema responds on Instagram

In an Instagram story apparently referring to the Téléfoot report on Wednesday, Benzema said: "And while the dogs bark, the number nine ignores it".

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Vinícius endures unhappy evening in Mönchengladbach

According to second-half statistics, Mendy went on to pass the ball to Vinícius three times after the break, while the forward passed to the defender on nine occasions.

After struggling to make an impact in the Champions League Group B clash - “a very poor performance”, wrote AS journalist Sergio Santos in his match ratings - Vinícius was substituted after 70 minutes, with Eden Hazard replacing the 20-year-old.

Late Benzema, Casemiro goals salvage point for Real Madrid

Trailing 1-0 at half time to a goal by Marcus Thuram, Zinedine Zidane’s men went further behind when Thuram doubled Mönchengladbach’s lead on the hour mark, but last-gasp strikes by Benzema and Casemiro rescued a point for the visitors.