The French striker played against Eibar as he helped his side to the fifth consecutive victory
Karim Benzema is playing “on a different level” after helping Real Madrid to another win, coach Zinedine Zidane said.
Benzema stopped and gave up two assists as Madrid made five straight wins in all competitions by beating Eibar 3-1 in La Liga on Sunday.
This was the 30th time the Frenchman had scored and assisted in the same La Liga game. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (44) has made it more often for Madrid in the 21st century.
Benzema’s form was praised by Zidane as Madrid joined Atletico in the first place on 29 points, although Diego Simeone’s men have played two fewer games.
“Benzema is a game winner because what he does is at a different level, not just because of the goals,” Zidane said at a news conference.
“I always repeat saying the same thing about Karim. It’s not just his goals, he’s the center of our game. He’s very important to us and when he’s scoring, it’s even better, obviously, but it’s very important to our team.
“We have to celebrate everyone’s achievement. Today was a good game and it was a good performance from both teams. It’s a well-deserved victory.”
Benzema set Luka Modric to make it 2-0 before Kike pulled a goal back for Eibar, who felt they should have been on late penalty for a handball by Sergio Ramos.
Zidane refused to be drawn on the decision, with Madrid sealing their wins through Lucas Vazquez in extra time.
“I didn’t see the handball event with Ramos. But the referee is the one who makes the decision, “Zidane said. He knows what he’s doing and I’m not going to start talking about the referees. If he decided not to impose a penalty it was because he did not think it was a handball. ”
The busy run of the Madrid games continues with a home clash against Granada on Wednesday. Zidane added that he could turn his squad for the game, the third in an eight-day span.
“Right now this is how we play,” he said. “Will there be changes? Yes, there will certainly be changes, because it is a very long and difficult season.
“We’re spinning a little less now, but the important thing is that the players are performing and everyone is playing their part. We haven’t changed much in the last few games. finally, but then as it is, those things are changing and we all need to keep working together. “