Six points from their city rivals, Atlético, and just two shy of Barcelona. Real showed their true potential last night in their home win versus Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League. Benzema, Ramos and Asensio grabbed the goals last night in a comfortable victory. Despite losing the match, Atalanta surprised Madrid with a free kick routine born on the training ground.
Matteo Pessina #32, Berat Djimsiti #19 and Marten de Roon #15 all ran at the Madrid wall just before Luis Muriel #9, struck his free kick into the top corner.
It was a long awaited return to the quarter-finals of the UCL since 2017/18. In that season, Zinedine Zidane managed his side to their third Champions League in a row. The two following seasons, they got knocked out by Ajax (agg: 3-5) and Manchester City (agg: 4-2). Real Madrid join FC Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City for the next stage of the competition.
Benzema, left, with Vinícius Júnior
Upcoming fixtures in the UCL
- Bayern vs Lazio (agg: 4-1)
- Chelsea vs Atlético (agg: 1-0)
Returning to La Liga action, Madrid have five crucial matches coming up.
- Celta de Vigo (A) 20/03/21
- Eibar (H) 04/04/21
- Barcelona (H) 11/04/21
- Cádiz CF (A) 21/04/21
- Real Betis (H) 25/04/21
These next few matches could tell Real where they are going to finish this season. The home match against Barcelona, the one they call El Clásico, will be a huge test. Both teams have now played 27 league matches season and Barcelona have scored 15 more goals. Karim Benzema has been one of their star players this season, scoring many vital goals in their quest for trophies. 21 goals in 31 games (across all competitions) proves he can still be relied on. Could he be the difference in the upcoming derby?
All of these games will be important in Real Madrid’s hopes of lifting their 35th La Liga title.
Whatever happens, Real Madrid have the quality and a team full of superstars ready to play any team.
In your opinion, will they end the season with a trophy?
Featured Image: Pixabay (Pexels)
RGE
Pen to paper 