Benzema allays El Clasico injury fears after knock vs Liverpool: “I’ll be fit for Sunday” | OneFootball

Karim Benzema may be out of form in La Liga, but his performance in the UEFA Champions League has been promising. Across the two legs against Liverpool, the Real Madrid captain scored three goals including the only goal last night at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Ballon d’Or winner spoke to the media after his team’s 6-2 win on aggregate and addressed a range of topics including the upcoming challenges in UCL and the performance on the night.

Benzema began his interview with a brief overview of the game and his team’s performance at the Bernabeu. He admitted to the game being challenging but said that the fruit it bore was worth the effort.

“It was a tough game against good opposition but we showed we wanted to get on the front foot from the off. It was a great game for the fans and we’re into the quarters.”

Benzema was clear about not all games bearing the same flawless and picturesque football. In contrast, he said that hard-ground wins must be given as much love.

“Football today is all about digging in. Everyone wants more but sometimes you have to suffer in a game. The important thing is to win it and get through.”

When the Ballon d’Or winner hobbled to the side after scoring the only goal on the night, there was a situation of serious concern. However, Benzema played down all the rumours of worry and assured his availability for El Clasico.

“It was just a real blow to my shin but that’s all it was, a knock, I’ll be fit for Sunday.”

Last season, Los Blancos faced stiff competition at all stages with PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool being their opponents. When asked if he had any preference for the quarterfinal draw, he said,

“Every team is quality, there are no small teams at this level. They’re all much the same, it’s tiny details that decide it. Let’s see who we get.”

Finally, Benzema commented on Eduardo Camavinga’s performance. The French midfielder was the one to create Real Madrid’s goal with a perfect vertical cross, and the striker had only words of praise for him.

“As I know Liverpool’s centre-backs play quite wide, there is always more chance through the middle, which is where I went for the goal. He tries things, he’s a young player but he’s got heaps of talent and we’re thrilled with him.”