The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Espanyol

By Kevin Parvizi

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his third goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu on November 06, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his third goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu on November 06, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 30: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on November 30, 2019 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 30: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on November 30, 2019 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

CF Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema didn’t punch in any goals last week against Alaves, which was rare for him. He had a pretty quiet game as a whole, kept in check by the league’s best defensive team at home. But Benzema should awaken at the Bernabeu this week, as he has been on fire in his recent performances at home. In fact, Benzema had a brace at the White House against PSG last Tuesday.

As a whole, Benzema has 14 goals and six assists across all competitions in 2019-2020, including 10 goals in 12 La Liga contests. The case can be made that Benzema has been the best player in the league this season, though Eden Hazard and Lionel Messi will make their claims, too.

Since neither Hazard nor Bale will be able to chip in on Saturday, Benzema’s importance to Real’s attack has only grown. He’ll need to put in twice the work to create for others and provide the necessary leadership for youngsters like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

And, of course, Real Madrid will count on the former France national team star to bang home the goals. He’s come up big so many times for Madrid this season, such as in September at the Sanchez Pizjuan, and this feels like another game where Benzema’s goals will make the difference.

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