KARIM BENZEMA has been savaged by the Spanish press for his El Clasico performance yesterday.
Real Madrid fell 2-1 to rivals Barcelona in a must-win clash for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Defeat saw them fall 12 points behind Barca in the title race with a dozen games remaining.
Despite Benzema’s amazing performances last year that saw him scoop the Ballon d’Or award, he hasn’t been spared criticism.
French paper L’Equipe are renowned for their harsh player ratings.
But this time it was Spanish outlet AS dishing out the harsh scores.
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Not only did they give Benzema a 0/10 – but they savaged his display in a brutal paragraph.
It read: “Benzema: invisible, once again. Nothing at all.
“He can’t get playable balls by dropping back, nor impose his play in the penalty box.
“He is miles away from the brilliant version of the player who won the Ballon d’Or.
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“We found him without rhythm, slow, and without runs or plays.
“If Real find their striker back, they will have a treasure in their ranks, but they have been waiting for too long.”
Despite criticism being sent his way, Benzema has still managed a good goal return this season.
The 35-year-old has netted 11 times in 16 LaLiga appearances.
His goals have dried up of late, however, amid muscular and ankle injuries – and he has only scored in one of Madrid’s last nine league matches.
Usually it is L’Equipe known for dishing out horrible ratings.
Following Manchester United’s shocking 2-1 defeat at Young Boys last season, the French daily slapped Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho with zeros.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk