Back-to-back Champions League hat tricks just reinforce the enduring value of Karim Benzema’s clinical finishing to Real Madrid.
From his Real Madrid teammates and coach Ancelotti to legends and fans, Karim Benzema's sensational hat-trick in their 3-1 win against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday has won the Frenchman immense praise.
The 34-year-old veteran striker produced a masterclass at Stamford Bridge as he netted twice in the first half with two perfectly-taken headers.
🏆 POV: Running out of space for all these MVP trophies. pic.twitter.com/nIEpiw58SW
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden)The Blues' Kai Havertz reduced the deficit before the interval, but the France international punished a woeful mistake from Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy in the second half to complete his treble.
It was the sublime Benzema's second successive Champions League hat-trick after he single-handedly inspired their epic comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16-second leg.
"They're magic nights. Today we came out to win, to show we're Real Madrid. We played well from the first minute to the last. They're very important goals," the Frenchman said.
What a feeling… a great first round for the team 🔥
See you 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 for the final result... 💥 🤲🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/rTaE3Ceusd
Following this treble, Real Madrid coach compared Benzema to a fine wine that improves with age. "We had a fantastic performance upfront from Benzema. He's getting better every day like wine. We played well. It was a good night."
"We have an advantage, but we have a lot of respect for this team who were the winners of the last Champions League," the Italian added.
👔 :"I'm back, and I saw a fantastic team. We played a great match. We approached it well, we played well. With courage and personality. It was a good one." pic.twitter.com/uZ3xJnLE7L
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden)Meanwhile, Benzema's teammates, legends and fans took to social media to hail the veteran striker for his sensational performance. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
What a player! pic.twitter.com/iiDp1sCJGR
— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10)K9 es Spiderman. K9 es Lobezbo. K9 es ese portero del edificio. K9 es tu mejor amigo. K9 es tu abuela. K9 es el Presidente de EEUU. K9 es ese monitor que te tiras con él en paracaídas. K9 es tú ángel de la guarda. K9 es Dios! 🎩⚽️⚽️⚽️
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas)Señoras y señores... Don Karim Benzema 👑
Qué noche!! 🤍💫 pic.twitter.com/34PFxzfE1F
What a goal, what a ball to Vinícius and then… what a masterpiece. Karim Benzema. ⭐️
80 goals in Champions League. Karim the Dream. pic.twitter.com/M6GRlaKcGS
I believe Karim Benzema has finally reached Harry Kane's level. pic.twitter.com/2l56k1jZ9t
— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM)Only two players have scored back to back Champions League knockout hat-tricks:
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo 2017
⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs Bayern Munich
⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs Atletico Madrid
🇫🇷 Karim Benzema 2022
⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs PSG
⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs Chelsea
Icons of the game. 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/ptp23jgT99
🔝 All-time top scorers:
🇫🇷 Benzema has now scored 82 Champions League goals, just three behind third-placed Robert Lewandowski in the rankings. pic.twitter.com/V680sunnGO
WE LOVE THIS GAME. 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/WDY521VuKz
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden)What a season is have. Actually, what a career he’s having. A master of his craft.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker)Ancelotti's men are in pole position to advance to the semi-finals as they return to Madrid for the second leg on April 12. After losing to Chelsea in last season's Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to exact revenge at the Bernabeu.
Los Blancos won the last of their 13 Champions League titles in 2018, and, while they may not be favourites in this year's tournament, their ruthless victory in west London was a significant statement of intent from the La Liga leaders.
With 11 goals this term, Benzema has scored more times than any other Frenchman in a single European Cup campaign, moving past Just Fontaine's 10-goal haul in 1958-59.