Karim Benzema added to his career goal tally against Liverpool tonight by scoring a silky brace in less than 15 minutes.
His first goal could be counted as an own goal, as the ball deflected off defender Joe Gomez and went into the net. But the second goal was pure silk.
Madrid hit Liverpool on the counter in the 67th minute before Benzema jukes Alisson with the ball, regains his composure, and shoots hit home for his second goal.
Benzema’s brace at Anfield breaks more Champions League records
Benzema has scored more goals against Liverpool in European Cup and Champions League (6) than any other player — four of those were at fortress Anfield. Benzema also has 12 goals in his last eight Champions League knockout games.
He and Messi are the only two players to net in 18 consecutive Champions League seasons.
You really can’t count out Real Madrid at this stage, especially with the 2022 Balon d’Or winner on your team.
It was an overall crazy game at Anfield, with the hosts going ahead two-nil before Los Blancos equalized and then turned on the gas to score five unanswered goals. Benzema’s brace was the icing on the cake.
The Liverpool fans even took it upon themselves to applaud the Frenchman and Luka Modrić as they were subbed out of the game.
“This victory is for Amancio. We want to win this Champions League,” said Benzema after the match.
“We started a little bit badly but then we saw Real Madrid. From the 15th minute we saw Real Madrid. Football is always difficult. They have entered better than us. A goal changes the game, like Vinícius’s. Thanks to our fans, they are the 12th man.”
Benzema’s brace against Liverpool was only part of the domination of the Reds at Anfield. The 5-2 scoreline also included goals from Brazilians Vinicius Junior (2) and Éder Militão.
Photo: Twitter/@RMadridFrance_
