Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzema continued his impressive start to the 2021/22 league season on Sunday after netting a hat-trick against Celta Vigo in a 5-2 victory.
However, the talisman has become the latest player to add his voice to the shortcomings of the team’s defence as he called for more hard work to be done.
The France international scored Madrid’s first goal at the new Santiago Bernabeu as the club returned to their home ground for the first time in over 18 months.
Benzema engaged the press after yet another incredible performance as he shared his thoughts on the return to the iconic stadium as they played in front of their home fans for the first time post-covid.
“I think we need to work harder defensively to avoid conceding goals. We’re going to win scoring lots of goals while keeping a clean sheet. We have to work hard and keep training. The three points today are the most important thing,” said Benzema.
”It was a special night for us due to the fans being back and the atmosphere they created. The first half was a bit weird because we have to get used to the crowd again. We did what we we were wanting to do in the second half and got the win. I always say that we need the support of our fans, they gave us their all and you could see that in the second half.”
Benzema also provided the assist for Vinicius Junior to score his fourth league goal this season, surpassing last season’s tally of three. The captain on the night heaped praise on the youngster while also thoughts on Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric.
“Vini Jr. is a champion, he’s young and I really enjoy playing with him. He’s shown that he’s capable of always being in the team. Camavinga is young and will bring a lot to the team. Modric is one of the best around in his position and he contributes so much for us on the pitch,” he concluded.
The Frenchman’s hat-trick means that he now leads the top-scorers chart with five goals while also boasting of four assists to his name.
