UEFA Men’s Footballer of the Year Karim Benzema suffered an injury in the first half of Real Madrid’s opening Champions League game against Celtic.
There were doubts about whether the top scorer from last season’s campaign would pass a late fitness test to face the Scottish champions. Carlo Ancelotti put him in the starting XI.
However, Benzema went off with an injury in the 29th minute. Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard replaced the France international.
Benzema showed signs of discomfort from the 25th minute, but he tried to soldier on. He kept stretching his knee and wincing in pain.
The pain became unbearable, and Ancelotti substituted his captain.
Before he was substituted, Benzema was unable to influence the game. He had one chance in the 15th minute, but the 34-year-old failed to keep his left-footed shot on target.
Benzema was cheered off the pitch by both the Celtic and Madrid supporters.
Eden Hazard replaced Benzema. The Belgian international grabbed an assist for Luka Modric’s goal in the second half before scoring one himself.
Following the 3-0 win over Celtic, Ancelotti said (via BT Sport), “It seems not so serious, but we have to wait until tomorrow. Both of them will have a check, Benzema and Eder Militao. It seems not so important.”
Despite the injury to their talisman, Madrid started the defence of their 14th Champions League title with a convincing win.
Celtic began the encounter slightly better and should have made their early chances count. Buoyed by a raucous atmosphere, they played with intensity and determination in the opening minutes.
Liel Abada shot wide from a great chance early before firing a tame effort at Thibaut Courtois following a sensational pass from Jota. Callum McGregor then hit the woodwork in the 25th minute.
Madrid slowly seized control of the game as the early pressure settled. Vinicius Junior was a constant danger. He forced Joe Hart into an incredible save after 34 minutes. Hazard then failed to score from five yards minutes later.
Madrid opened the scoring in the second half at the hour mark through Vinicius. Modric and Hazard closed out proceedings.
Madrid have won all six games this season. They welcome Real Mallorca to the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend, looking to stave Barcelona off at the top of La Liga.
