Benzema, Felix shine as Real and Atletico readies for UCL tests
Karim Benzema and Joao Felix ensured Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid claimed morale-boosting victories in LaLiga on Saturday before facing the Premier League’s heavyweights in this week’s Champions League quarterfinals.
Benzema missed one penalty but scored two as Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 2-1 to get back to winning ways ahead of Wednesday’s crunch meeting with Chelsea.
And Atletico Madrid sailed past Alaves 4-1 before their trip to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City tomorrow, with the inform Felix scoring twice and Luis Suarez adding a brace of his own after coming on as a substitute. Felix now has seven goals in his last eight games for Atletico and the 22-yearold is likely to be key if Diego Simeone’s men are to spring a surprise against City and reach the semifinals. Madrid’s victory will calm any nerves in
LaLiga’s title race too, allowing the leaders to draw a line under their thrashing at the hands of a resurgent Barcelona before the international break.
And, despite an imperfect performance, the win should restore confidence ahead of the first leg away at Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel’s side now recovering from a humiliation of their own, after they were earlier thumped 4-1 at home by Brentford.
Chelsea, who outplayed Real Madrid over two semifinal legs last year, will be a much sterner test than Celta and Carlo Ancelotti’s side will almost certainly not have the benefit of being awarded three penalties at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid’s chances against Chelsea are improved immeasurably by the recovery of Benzema, and also Ferland Mendy, who offers so much more solidity at left back than either Nacho Fernandez or Marcelo.