Karim Benzema receives FIVE stitches after a vicious stamp
Karim Benzema receives FIVE stitches after a vicious stamp against Rayo Vallecano left him with a nasty cut on his right foot… but not even that could stop the Frenchman getting on the scoresheet in 2-1 win
- Karim Benzema is five goals behind Robert Lewandowski in hunt for the Pichichi
- The Frenchman was seen limping and complaining of foot pain during the game
- Fans clap Vinicius Jnr and chant his name in the 20th minute at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema showed off a gruesome cut on his foot that required stitches that he sustained in Los Blancos’ 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
The Frenchman, who picked up the Ballon d’Or award earlier this season after being voted the best player in the world in 2022, shared a video of the afflicted area being sewn up after the match, which saw Real players wear No 20 shirts prior to kick-off.
A painful looking gash can be seen below the third and fourth toes of the striker’s right foot following the Bernabeu encounter.
It is thought that the injury came after a challenge early in the game with just 10 minutes on the clock, after a Vallecano player stamped on his foot.
Following the hefty challenge, Benzema was seen frequently limping and complaining throughout the game, although he turned down the opportunity of a substitution, preferring to grit his teeth and continue.
Benzema shared a video of the gash below the third and fourth toes of his right foot being stitched closed
Benzema could be seen pointing to his foot after the stamp, with blood visible on his boot
The affliction was still not enough to stop the Real striker from scoring after netting in the 31st minute
And not even the injury could stop the prolific Frenchman from getting on the scoresheet, with Benzema netting in the 31st minute of the encounter.
Benzema played a neat one-two with Federico Valverde before arcing in behind the Vallecano defence to receive the ball.
He then drew out Stole Dimitrievski, took the ball round the advancing North Macedonian, and fired home into the empty net to make it 1-0 in the tie.
Raul de Tomas then scored what looked to be a late equaliser on 84 minutes, before Rodrygo rescued all three points for the hosts in the 89th minute with a curling effort into the bottom right corner from outside the penalty area.
It remains to be seen whether Benzema’s involvement in the side will continue after suffering the potentially debilitating injury.
Real are unable to win any further honours this season and as such are no longer fighting for any silverware, however their second-place status is at risk.
Arch nemesis Atletico Madrid are breathing down their necks in the hunt for the silver medal spot, just a point behind them.
There are just two more games to be played for the Madrid rivals, and having already lost their Champions League and LaLiga crowns, Carlo Ancelotti will be keen for his side to at least best their most heated rivals.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are out of contention for further silverware but have fight with Atletico Madrid for second place to negotiate
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski currently leads the way in the Pichichi race with 23 goals
On a personal level, Benzema could still catch Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in the hunt for the Pichichi trophy, handed to the top scorer in the Spanish top flight.
However, to do so he would need the Polish icon – on 23 – to score in neither of the champions’ remaining fixtures, and hope to score at least five of his own in the next two games.
No player has won the award more times than Lionel Messi’s eight, while Benzema is the current holder of the gong, and will be keen to end a somewhat disappointing campaign on a high.
His side are next in action against Sevilla on Saturday May 27, before a clash with Athletic Bilbao closes the season for Ancelotti, Benzema and Co on June 4.
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