Karim Benzema becomes France's highest-scoring footballer: Key numbers
Veteran striker Karim Benzema netted a brace in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Mallorca in a crucial La Liga encounter. The win saw Los Blancos open up a 10-point lead over second-placed Seviila, having played 28 matches. Benzema has been in supreme scoring form this season and he went on to surpass Thierry Henry to become France's highest-scoring footballer. Here we decode his stats.
How did the match pan out?
After a goalless first half, Vinicius Junior handed Real the lead 10 minutes after the restart. He converted a pass from Benzema, who then scored twice himself. The senior striker converted a penalty after Vinicius had been fouled before heading in a third from Marcelo's delivery. Real will face Barcelona next in La Liga on Sunday.
Why does this story matter?
Benzema has been in breathtaking form, helping Real dominate the scenes. He scored a sensational hat-trick last week to help Real reach the quarters of the Champions League. And now, he scored two more goals to see Real run comfortable winners in La Liga. Benzema is going strong and to get past the legendary Henry as France's top scorer is some achievement.
Benzema steers clear of Henry
Benzema now has 413 career goals for club and country. He has netted 377 goals in club level, besides 66 for national side France. Benzema has now surpassed Henry to become the top French scorer in history. Former Arsenal and Barcelona ace Henry had smashed 411 goals for club and country. He had 360 club goals and 51 strikes for France.
Benzema has raced to 32 goals this season
The senior striker has managed to score 32 goals in 34 appearances for Real in the ongoing 2021-22 season. He also has 13 assists, including 11 in La Liga. Benzema has now matched his best goal-scoring record in a single campaign with Real, achieved in 2011-12 under former manager Jose Mourinho (32). Benzema has scored 22 goals in La Liga this season.
More notable feats achieved by Benzema
With 22 league goals and 11 assists, Benzema has been directly involved in more league goals than any other player in Europe's top five divisions this season (33). Benzema and Vinicius have now combined for eight goals in La Liga this season. This is more than any other duo in the top five European leagues in 2021-22.
311 goals for Real
As per Opta, Benzema has equaled his best assist tally in a single league campaign with Real Madrid (also 11 in 2012-13). Benzema now has 311 goals for Real in all competitions. He has also scored 214 La Liga goals in 408 games for Real.
