Benzema hits 600 games for Real Madrid and goal scoring milestones
The Champions League semi-final first leg at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was a truly special one for Karim Benzema.
The game in Manchester got off to a record-breaking flyer, on the day that Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema notched up game number 600 for the club.
600 - Karim @Benzema 🇫🇷 will make his 600th appearance for @realmadriden in all competitions (318 goals and 140 assists), becoming the eighth player to reach this milestone in club’s history and the first non-Spanish to do so. Legend. pic.twitter.com/FXwbPOENQT
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 26, 2022
Benzema joins Real Madrid 600 club
There was no stopping Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne as he headed home for the opener in 93 seconds, setting a new record. That was quickly followed up by a second for Gabriel Jesus as Pep Guardiola’s Premier League kings swept forward dangerously at every opportunity.
It was a worrying time for Los Blancos who just couldn’t cope.
Then, not for the first time, the French striker got involved, and pulled one back with his first attempt, a volley from a Mendy cross into the area. The semi-final was certainly alive again for Ancelotti’s troops.
💥 @Benzema cumple 600 partidos con el Real Madrid:
— Madrid Sports (@MadridSports_) April 26, 2022
Raúl 741
Casillas 725
Sanchís 710
Ramos 671
Santillana 645
Hierro 602
Benzema y Gento 600 pic.twitter.com/bZwPjJZfMZ
The appearance brought Benzema level with the club legend Gento, who ended his successful career with the Spanish giants on 600 games. The Frenchman will certainly be expecting several more as he chases others up the table, although Raúl (741) and Casillas (725) are possibly beyond his reach.
That said, this season has proven that you can never count out Karim, surely one of the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or.