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Real Valladolid logo
La Liga | Gameweek 15
Dec 30, 2022 at 8.30pm UK
Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla
RM
Real Madrid logo

Valladolid
0 - 2
Real Madrid


Sanchez (81'), Fernandez (82')
Leon (82')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Benzema (83' pen., 89')

Carlo Ancelotti: 'Karim Benzema will star in second half of season'

:Headline: Carlo Ancelotti: 'Karim Benzema will star in second half of season':
Real Madrid forward Carlo Ancelotti backs Karim Benzema to enjoy a strong second half to the 2022-23 campaign.
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Ancelotti: 'Benzema will star in second half of season'

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Karim Benzema will star for the Spanish and European champions in the second half of the season.

The 35-year-old hit a late brace in his side's 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Friday, making the breakthrough from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute before adding a second in the 89th minute.

The Frenchman struggled to show his best form in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign, and he was sent home from the World Cup after picking up a thigh issue.

Benzema failed to register in four appearances in the group stage of the Champions League, but his double against Real Valladolid has made it seven goals in eight league appearances this term.

Ancelotti: 'Benzema will star in second half of season'

Ancelotti has said that his star forward is "very motivated and confident", and the Italian is certain that "a different Benzema" will be present in the second half of the season.

"I think this will do him good. I already thought he was doing well following his recovery and I knew he could play a decisive role in this game. And he did," said Ancelotti after Friday's win.

"I think he's very motivated and confident. We'll see a different Benzema in the second half of the season compared to the first half of the season."

Ancelotti admitted that his side did not defend well against Real Valladolid, but the Italian was delighted with the performances of both Benzema and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made some important saves.

"It was a difficult match against an opponent that grew into the game. We had good control at the start of the first half, but Real Valladolid played well and competed," Ancelotti told reporters.

"I don't think we defended well and I don't think we were compact, but we managed to secure the three points. It was a great game by Courtois and by Benzema, so we end the year on a high."

Much has been made of Eden Hazard's lack of action this season, and the Belgian was again an unused substitute against Real Valladolid, but the Real Madrid head coach has confirmed that the attacker will be involved in Tuesday's Copa del Rey clash with Cacereno.

"Hazard will play the next match," said the 63-year-old after he was asked about the forward.

Real Madrid will continue their La Liga campaign against Villarreal on January 7 before facing Valencia in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup on January 10. body check tags ::

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid21154250203049
2Atletico MadridAtletico21136235142145
3Barcelona20123552232939
4Athletic Bilbao20116331181339
5Villarreal219753932734
6Mallorca219391926-730
7Real Sociedad208481714328
8GironaGirona208482827128
9Real BetisBetis217772326-328
10Osasuna216962530-527
11Sevilla217682430-627
12Rayo Vallecano206862323026
13Celta Vigo2073102932-324
14Las PalmasLas Palmas2165102634-823
15Leganes205781929-1022
16Getafe204881417-320
17AlavesAlaves2055102432-820
18Espanyol2155112033-1320
19Valencia2037101929-1016
20Real ValladolidValladolid2143141442-2815
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