Real Madrid is back on track ahead of Wednesday night’s pivotal Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona after thumping Real Valladolid 6-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Five changes were made to the team that fell short in El Clasico two weeks ago, and the Italian manager also used a new approach. Instead of the conventional 4-3-3 configuration, Real Madrid lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rodrygo lining up directly behind Karim Benzema.
The moment Rodrygo scored after 22 minutes, who had been assisted by Marco Asensio, it seemed as though the lightbulb had already been turned on. The Brazilian’s goal was his fifth of the year.
As Benzema scored a hat-trick in seven minutes to easily overcome Valladolid, the hosts’ situation got much better. Vinicius Jr. assisted the Frenchman in scoring his first two goals, and Benzema scored his third goal with a powerful finish after a cross from Rodrygo.
In the second half, Lucas Vazquez scored his second goal of the year to make it 6-0, and Marco Asensio added a fifth goal along with his assist. In 2023, Eden Hazard only had two appearances, but he provided the assist.
KING KARIM IS BACK!!!
The gap brought on by national team commitments has been a cold shower for Benzema. He has the impression of being too lively, focused, awake, and active. He has a new wire to plug in now that he has quit France. Karim must be at his most brilliant and decisive for Real Madrid to have any hope of enjoying some success at the end of this season. The Frenchman regained his sense of smell and became “purple” at Valladolid, which served as his first opportunity to try to make a comeback in the Cup due to the difficulty of winning the league.
In just seven minutes against the Pucelanos, he scored his first goal in the championship since February 15 against Elche! After a brilliant solo effort, a right hand, a header from Vini, and a Chilean following a Rodrygo assist. With 14 goals, Festival of a spring Benzema has reentered the race for the league’s leading scorer, while Lewandowski has dropped to second place with 17.
