KARIM BENZEMA sent an ominous warning to Manchester City with a FLAWLESS hat-trick as Real Madrid put Almeria the sword.
Los Blancos ran riot against the La Liga strugglers at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening, running out 4-2 winners.
Former France international Benzema was the star of the show, scoring a stunning hat-trick in 42 minutes before Rodrygo put the game beyond the visitors – who reduced the deficit just before half time – in the 47th minute.
But the Frenchman didn’t score an ordinary hat-trick.
Benzema, who is second in Real’s all-time goalscorers list, bagged what is known as a ‘flawless’ hat-trick.
In some European leagues, a traditional three-goal haul isn’t considered a hat-trick.
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In Germany and Austria, a three-goal return is only deemed to be a hat-trick when all the goals are scored in a row and in the same half.
Benzema’s hat-trick – his THIRD this month – took his tally for the season to 26 goals in 36 appearances.
It also saw him reduce the gap between himself and Barcelona hitman Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Pichichi to two goals.
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has been blown away by his ageing striker’s fine form – which he reckons could land him a second Ballon d’Or.
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Speaking after the former Lyon man’s hat-trick in their 4-0 demolition of Barca earlier this month, the Italian said: “Benzema is back.
“He’s back. Another Ballon d’Or for Karim? Why not?”
Benzema’s latest goalscoring exploits will serve as a stark warning to Premier League champions Manchester City.
City travel to the Bernabeu a week on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Pep Guardiola’s troops will welcome the Spanish giants to the Etihad the following Wednesday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
