Champions League, Benzema hat-trick helps Real beat Chelsea: Records broken
A sensational Karim Benzema hat-trick helped Real Madrid beat holders Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals tie at Stamford Bridge. Benzema powered Real to a 2-0 lead before Kai Havertz pulled one back. However, right after half-time the veteran French striker scored his third to see Real win 3-1 on the night. Meanwhile, Villarreal stunned Bayern Munich 1-0.
Real beat Chelsea 3-1
Vinicius Junior clipped a lovely cross into Benzema's path after a one-two with the Frenchman, heading past Edouard Mendy in the 21st minute. Luka Modric's right-wing cross saw Benzema head in a season three minutes later. Jorginho's timely cross saw Havertz head in a goal for the hosts. In the 46th minute, Benzema was fed from a poor pass from Mendy towards Antonio Rudiger.
Why does this story matter?
This was a second successive hat-trick for Benzema in the Champions League 2021-22 season. Earlier, he helped Real power past Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 when his side was 2-0 down. Benzema looks like a man on mission and Real have stepped up in chase for a 14th UCL honor. The veteran forward has been prolific all season.
4th player to score 80-plus Champions League goals
Benzema is now just the fourth player in history to score 80+ goals in the Champions League (82). He joins an elite list comprising Cristiano Ronaldo (140), Lionel Messi (125), and Robert Lewandowski (85). Benzema has 70 Champions League goals for Real. He had earlier scored 12 for Lyon. Benzema has four UCL hat-tricks and is behind Lewandowski (5), Ronaldo (8), and Messi (8).
More notable records smashed by Benzema
Benzema has become just the fourth player to score successive hat-tricks in the UCL. Ronaldo (2016-17), Messi (2016-17), and Luiz Adriano (2014-15) had registered this unique record earlier. Benzema is the first French player to score 10 goals in a Champions League campaign (group stage to final). David Trezeguet (2001-02) Wissam Ben Yedder (2017-18), and Kylian Mbappe (2020-21) had scored eight goals.
Benzema has been involved in 50+ goals this season
As per Opta, Benzema has become the first player ever to score a European hat-trick against Chelsea. Benzema and Vinicius have combined for five Champions League goals this season, which is the highest for any duo. Benzema has been involved in 50+ goals (37 goals, 13 assists) in all competitions this season. This is the first time he has achieved such a milestone.
Benzema races to 37 goals this season
Benzema now has 37 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season. He has raced to 316 career goals for Real in all competitions. The Frenchman has 11 Champions League goals this season (joint-second highest).
Unique records scripted in the match
As per Squawka, Real have beaten Chelsea for the first time ever. Also, Thomas Tuchel has lost against Real as a manager for the very first time. Also, only two players in UCL history have scored a hat-trick in consecutive knockout games (Ronaldo and Benzema).
