Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in the last 30 minutes of the game after Kylian Mbappe’s first half strike had extended PSG’s aggregate lead to two goals.
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Luka Modric was the architect of Real Madrid 3-1 Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. The result helped the Los Blancos to the quarter-finals of the competition courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate win. Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in the last 30 minutes of the game after Kylian Mbappe’s first half strike had extended PSG’s aggregate lead to two goals.
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Modric played a crucial role in Benzema’s second goal on 76 minutes. The 36-year-old collected the ball near his own penalty area, carried it forward, taking out a slew of PSG players, and then played a brilliant through ball to pick the run of Vinicius. The Brazilian winger raced forward before cutting inside to his favoured right foot and it felt like the chance was gone.
But the 21-year-old managed to return the ball to Modric on the edge of the box and the former Spurs-man played a nice little through-pass in between the legs of defender Presnel Kimpembe for Benzema inside the box and the Frenchman’s effort deflected off Marquinhos and went inside the net.
Meanwhile the former Ballon d’or winner was also excellent with his defensive play to restrict Argentine legend Lionel Messi. He made a crucial sliding tackle to stop Messi on the counter. Modric and Real Madrid simply had more hunger and desire to succeed than their opponents.
The 36-year-old’s numbers were incredible as he completed 69 passes with an accuracy of 88%, won 7 duels, attempted 2 shots on goal and registered one assist. The Croatian completed all his take-ons, racking passes and transitional passes.
For much of the tie, Real Madrid were on the back-foot, especially in the midfield battle, but the introduction of Edouardo Camavinga and Rodrygo instilled more energy and pace. Alng with the youngsters, Modric led the comeback.
Benzema completed the epic comeback with his third goal of the night on 78 minutes when he latched onto Danilo Pereira’s poor defensive clearance and finished off into the bottom corner.
When Carlo Ancelotti was asked about how Modric (36) and Benzema (34) keep performing at the top level despite getting on in years, during the post-match press conference, he said: “They just get better and better. Karim is back from injury and that has made a difference. Luka is playing well no matter where I position him, even though he has played some different positions.”
