Karim Benzema : Best in La liga

He notched another hat-trick in the two-leg win over Chelsea in the quarterfinals. In addition, he impressed the audience with a remarkable "Panenka" penalty in the 82nd minute at Etihad on Tuesday. 

Karim Benzema's 41 goals (and 13 assists) in 41 games across all competitions have helped his team fare well in La Liga. However, this season, his Champions League (14 goals in 10 games from an xG of 7.6). He amassed 41 goals and managed 0.76 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, 3.99 shot-creating actions per 90, and 6.36 progressive carries per 90. 

Benzema’s Jawdropping Last Minute Panenka

On Tuesday's match against City, the hosts were leading 2-0 in the opening 11 minutes, but Benzema cheered his team and urged his teammates to play higher up the pitch with him. Real Madrid won a penalty with eight minutes remaining. He surprisingly converted with a delightful Panenka chip, reducing Real Madrid's deficit to 4-3. It's interesting how Karim Benzema had never tried a live Panenka before. He is now in contention for the golden boot, and they said that the Champions League season 2021-22 belongs to Benzema. 

Benzema is aiming to win LaLiga and the Champions League.

In the thrilling quarterfinal second-leg match against Chelsea, he had to be patient as Chelsea was leading Real Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu and 4-3 on aggregate. After his unforgettable hat-trick in the first leg, Chelsea exhibited great defence in the second leg, but the Frenchman still had four shots, one on target, and one goal with an xG of 0.3! He delivered 25 pressing actions through 120 minutes, more than in any previous game.

"A defeat is never good," Benzema said. "The most important thing is we never gave up until the end. Now we have to go to the Bernabeu. We'll need the fans like never before. We'll do something magical, which is to win." He needs to maintain his terrific form in the next match against Manchester City to qualify for the final back home in France. Karim Benzema would be aiming for his fifth Champions League, which would tie him with Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo for the most won by a single player.

"All I think of right now is winning LaLiga and the Champions League. This is my mindset. I am not thinking about anything else, not even the Ballon d'Or," Benzema remarked. Back in October 2021, he admitted that the prize was his dream. Considering his special delivery this season, it looks as if he will win LaLiga and be the player of the season there. He occupies the top spot in terms of goals and assists. He is now in the semi-finals of the Champions League and won the Nations League trophy with France after playing a vital role in the semi-final and the final. Great expectation to deliver compelling performances and score more goals in the matches to come.