3 Real Madrid players with a point to prove vs. Athletic Club

CF Karim Benzema

Unlike the other two players on this list, Karim Benzema performed well in the 2-1 win over Sevilla over the weekend, scoring a poacher’s goal to equalize in the first half. It is important for the No. 9 to score these kinds of goals for Real Madrid, creating something out of nothing with his instincts and anticipation in the box.

Benzema will be motivated to prove a point on Wednesday night at the Bernabeu for a very personal reason. Not only did he fail to win the Ballon d’Or, but he was snubbed in a bitter way. Benzema did not make the podium at all, being ranked behind Jorginho in fourth place.

It is a shocking result and one that has been met with derision, particularly from the Madrid faithful. You had better believe Madridistas will be full-force behind their striker against Atheltic Club, and you can safely bet even more money than the world-class French international will be out for blood and goals against a traditional rival in El Viejo Clasico.

But more than goals, he will be out for the win. Benzema cares more about winning trophies with Real Madrid than grabbing individual honors. To him, an assist – or even a ball recovered that leads to a goal – is worth more than him scoring himself. A rare mental trait to find, especially from a striker who is still capable of scoring more than 20 goals in a league campaign.