Can Benzema create a lasting legacy with Champions League triumph?

Karim Benzema was forced to play second fiddle behind Cristiano Ronaldo when Real Madrid were the dominant force in the Champions League, winning four crowns between 2014 and 2018. Despite his contributions in the final third, Benzema was never the shining light amid the presence of Ronaldo along with the performances in big games from Gareth Bale.

Following the departure of Ronaldo, Benzema has flourished into the leading man at Los Blancos, scoring not only with regularity in LaLiga, but also the Champions League. Benzema has allowed Madrid to regain their hold of LaLiga, putting them on course to win a second crown in three seasons with an outstanding record in front of goal. However, his impact has been felt more in the Champions League, where he has singlehandedly propelled Los Blancos into the last four of the competition.

Benzema has impressed not only with his clinical edge in front of goal, but also his leadership and work ethic in the final third. His drive and determination were crucial against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 against PSG. Madrid were seemingly down and out in the tie after Kylian Mbappe fired the French outfit in front on the night and 2-0 ahead on aggregate at the Bernabeu.

Benzema would turn the match on its head by pressuring Gianluigi Donnarumma and forcing a mistake from the Italian that resulted in a Madrid goal, sparking a sensational comeback as the forward notched a hat-trick to dump Mauricio Pochettino’s men out of the Champions League.

Benzema then displayed his clinical edge and his propensity to panic opposition defenders against Chelsea in the quarter-finals. He put the Blues to the sword in the first leg by scoring his second hat-trick in a row in the competition. And although he was not at his best in the second leg, Benzema loomed large at the key moment in the tie, dispatching a perfect header past Edouard Mendy to secure Madrid’s spot in the last four of the Champions League.

There is value to find in betting on Madrid to win the Champions League, with Los Blancos backed at 6/1 in the wagering odds with bet365. Using a bet365 sign up offer punters can use free bet credits to wager on Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who will have to produce a special performance to reach the final in their semi-final clash against Manchester City.

City and Liverpool are considered joint favorites for the crown, and Pep Guardiola’s men proved their determination to get over the line for the first time in Europe with a disciplined effort against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.

The onus will be on Benzema to rise to the occasion against City, which will only enhance his legacy. The 34-year-old carries the weight of expectation to deliver just as Ronaldo faced at the peak of his powers. City will be keying on Benzema as the focal point of the attack, so his play and his leadership of the Madrid line will be equally as crucial.

Vinicius Junior has developed in leaps and bounds during the 2021/22 campaign, earning a regular spot in the side alongside Benzema. Rodrygo Silva has also produced key strikes, none more so than his tie-leveling effort against Chelsea. Benzema will need to work with the young Brazilians in the final third to down City.

The Frenchman has become arguably the best forward in Europe as a result of his performances. However, to establish a legacy that will last beyond his playing days, Benzema may need to be the driving force in a memorable campaign to defeat two of the finest teams of the modern football era to capture another European title for the fifth time in eight years.