Real Madrid's Karim Benzema became the fourth player to score more than 80 goals in the Champions League on Wednesday. Benzema netted his second hat-trick in as many matches for Los Blancos in their 3-1 win over Chelsea in London. His first goal marked the 80th time Benzema has rippled the net in Europe's most prestigious club tournament. The 21st minute header brought him into elite company. Only Ronaldo, Messi, and Robert Lewandowski have managed that feat.
Karim Benzema joins Ronaldo, Messi and Lewandowski as the 4th player to score more than 80 goals in the Champions League.
LEVELS 📈🔥 pic.twitter.com/jvyYM6aaEm
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 6, 2022
He nabbed his second minutes later with another masterful header. After Kai Havertz brought Chelsea to a goal back of Real Madrid before the end of the first half, Benzema shut the door on a comeback in the 46th minute. His 82nd Champions League goal was a gift from Chelsea's Edouard Mendy. The Blues' keeper's failed clearance gave Benzema target practice on an open goal. The French striker made no mistake, and converted his second consecutive hat-trick in the competition.
Real Madrid's first leg win puts them in the driver's seat to advance to the semi-finals. A win, a draw, and even a one-goal loss would assure Madrid goes through. After a 1-0 defeat to PSG in the first leg of their Round of 16 fixture, Madrid fans would be pleasantly surprised to see where the side stands now.
Chelsea meanwhile, need a miracle to keep their title defense alive. The cup holders have struggled to rediscover the form that brought led them to their second Champions League title a year ago. With the ongoing controversy around previous owner Roman Abramovich and the impending sale of the club, Chelsea fans have had a tumultuous last month. And thanks in large part to Karim Benzema and Real Madrid, their woes will likely continue.
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