Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema set a new milestone in the UEFA Champions League with a goal in Los Blancos’ 2-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The French star gave the reigning champions the lead in the 21st minute before substitute Marco Asensio doubled the lead with 16 minutes left to play.
Benzema has now scored 20 Champions League goals against English opponents, the most of any player behind Lionel Messi with 27 strikes.
20 – Karim Benzema has scored 20 goals against English opponents in the UEFA Champions League, with only Lionel Messi scoring more (27). Standard. pic.twitter.com/OicteA3Eut
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 12, 2023
Benzema’s last 11 goals in the Champions League have also been against English opposition including last season’s quarter-final and semi-final meetings against Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.
In another feat, Vinicius Junior’s assist for Benzema made it his 20th goal involvement in his last 20 Champions League matches.
20 – Vinícius Júnior has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 20 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 10 times and providing 10 assists. Vision. pic.twitter.com/0pJzAJa1Xl
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 12, 2023
Benzema and Vinicius account for the bulk of Real Madrid’s goals this season with 47 strikes between them added to 22 assists.
Both men will look to play their part in the return leg at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.
