Nothing could be worse for Real Madrid and its fans than an injury to Karim Benzema.
The season depends on the French striker, who has been a class above for some time now. The initial diagnosis is that Carlo Ancelotti managed to bring him off early enough to avoid injury against Celtic.
Benzema has proven he’s one of the few irreplaceable players in the starting XI, though Madrid managed to score without him on Tuesday. In fact, Los Blancos didn’t miss a beat with Eden Hazard on the field.
It shows Madrid are still the team to beat after winning the Champions League last season, even if the bookmakers don’t see it that way at this moment.
Should Madrid have signed a No.9?
The Benzema scare will lead many to say yes, but Madrid’s plan was well laid out. The Frenchman always plays, and there’s cover should he miss a game here and there. The only problem is if he were to suffer a serious injury, which is something that is unlikely and impossible to predict.
The same people in Paris
Madrid’s first goal in Glasgow was much like the one in Paris: Valverde and Vinicius. The Uruguayan is proving to be a real force on the wing, and his assist for the Brazilian, his fourth goal in five games, shows they have a real connection.
And… Hazard
How good is the Belgian? He came on for Benzema and though he was slow to settle into the match, he ended up leaving his mark. He has talent to spare, and one can’t help but wonder what might have been had he not suffered so many injuries. His goal in the 77th minute could be a turning point in his campaign.
Modric rules in the Champions League
He turns 37 on Friday and his showing no signs of slowing down. His goal on Tuesday showed that when it comes to the Champions League, he can pop up with a key goal from time to time.
Madrid aren’t favourites in the Champions League
Once again Madrid aren’t the favourites to win the Champions League this season. The bookmakers have them fifth behind the likes of Manchester City, PSG, Chelsea and Bayern, with Barcelona getting the same odds as them.
Proof that Europe has yet to understand how good this Madrid group is.