On Sunday afternoon, Karim Benzema displayed his exceptional skills for Real Madrid, demonstrating a return to top form.
Despite facing a more challenging season this time around, largely due to a number of minor injuries, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder worked tirelessly during the international break to regain full fitness.
His perseverance paid off for Los Blancos against Real Valladolid, as he scored an impressive hat-trick in just seven minutes during the first half, with his third goal executed brilliantly as a bicycle kick.
Benzema has scored 14 goals in La Liga this season, which is only three goals less than Robert Lewandowski, the superstar of Barcelona.
Not bad, Karim.
What made Benzema’s latest masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu all the more impressive is the fact he was fasting for Ramadan.
The 35-year-old is a devout Muslim – and is therefore currently not allowed to consume food or drink during daylight hours.
However, one person on social media tried to accuse Benzema of disobeying the Ramadan fasting rules.
They uploaded a picture of the former Lyon striker with a bottle of water in his mouth while sat on the bench.
This pic is of 5:40PM Spain time
Iftar in Madrid is at 8:44PM
“He wAS FaStiNG” pic.twitter.com/299XyqJ4RD
— 𝐀diiFCB ★ (@Blaugranistaa) April 2, 2023
However, it seems that the isolated image was extremely misleading.
Subsequent footage that was uploaded shortly after the picture started circulating clearly shows that Benzema did not actually consume the water.
As it turns out, Benzema had only used the water to alleviate the common issue of dry mouth that often arises from rigorous physical activity, and then promptly spat it out onto the ground.
Video: Benzema did NOT disobey Ramadan fast vs Valladolid
Benzema literally spat it out.
Trying to spread hate towards your fellow Muslim brother just because of a Football rivalry pic.twitter.com/vr42QHd6iR https://t.co/5E7qal9f9o
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) April 2, 2023
Fair play, Karim.
Real Madrid put up an impressive 6-0 victory against Valladolid, with Rodrygo Goes, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, and Karim Benzema all scoring.
Additionally, Eden Hazard made his first appearance in La Liga since September and contributed an assist for Vazquez’s late goal.
Despite the team’s excellent performance, they remain 12 points behind the league leaders, Barcelona, with only 11 games left in the season, making it unlikely for them to win the La Liga championship this year.
However, Real Madrid will look to win their 15th European Cup and their chances look good as they head into the Champions League quarter-finals against Chelsea, who have been struggling recently.
As such, Los Blancos should enter the matchup with plenty of confidence.
Especially with a fully fit Benzema leading the line…