Real Madrid News
Benzema won the Ballon d’Or with the second-biggest margin in history, only behind Ronaldo
Since the start of last season, there was no debate that Karim Benzema was the best player in the world. With 44 goals and 15 assists to his name in all competitions, the Frenchman was the protagonist in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs.
As a result, there was only one clear winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or award and it was none other than the legendary striker.
The statistics about the 34-year-old’s landmark individual triumph have surfaced, which go on to show just how much of a landslide victory it was for him.
As per the latest information provided by MARCA, Karim Benzema won the latest edition of the Ballon d’Or by the second biggest points margin in history, with Cristiano Ronaldo still holding the top spot for his win in 2016.
For context, the five-time Champions League winner finished on 549 points, while second-place Sadio Mane ended up receiving just 195, meaning a difference of 356 points
In 2016, Cristiano Ronaldo had won the honour with 745 points, with Lionel Messi coming in second with 316 (429 point-margin).
Out of the 93 journalists that were a part of the esteemed panel to select their eventual winner, a staggering 89 of them voted for Benzema as the top dog.
While the journalists from Egypt and the Netherlands voted for Mohamed Salah, those from Senegal and Slovenia chose Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne respectively.
The numbers showcase just how dominant Benzema was throughout the entirety of the previous campaign, as he especially showcased his class in the Champions League knockout rounds to separate himself from the rest.
Ultimately, all one can say is that the timeless Benzema deserved to win the Ballon d’Or after hitting great heights.
In a positive update, Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to return from his injury by making an appearance for the Austrian national team against Estonia later tonight, confirms Sergio Quirante.
Alaba has been out of action for over a month now, after picking up an injury during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Austrian international had been making progress in training at the club but was not ready in time for the Clasico against Barcelona on March 19.
Despite the injury, Alaba travelled to join the Austrian national team during the current international break.
And, according to the report from Sergio Quirante, the Real Madrid ace has good feelings after training with his national team. Having had several sessions under his belt now, the versatile defender is all set to make his return later tonight.
Austria will face off against Estonia in their second UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers Group F encounter later tonight and Alaba is in line to get some minutes against the minnows.
What remains to be seen is whether manager Ralf Rangnick opts to start the former Bayern Munich superstar on the night or introduces him as a substitute in the latter stages of the game.
Alaba’s imminent return will be good news for Real Madrid, who have a series of important matches coming up after the international break as they look to salvage their season.
Following the loss to Barcelona earlier this month, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now 12 points off the top of the table in La Liga and are pretty much out of the equation to retain the title. They are also training the Catalans 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-finals while Chelsea await in the Champions League quarter-finals.
