Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema offered Rodrygo the decisive penalty against Manchester City
Karim Benzema’s epic legend was established on the Wednesday night when his decisive penalty snatched the victory right out of Manchester City’s jaws in the added minute of the semi-final clash.
For someone to bear the pressure of the situation, what you need is a composed head on the shoulder. The penalty certainly sent Ederson Moares the wrong way, but the story could have been entirely different if what El Golazo de Gol is saying is true.
According to what the aforementioned outlet says, Benzema offered Rodrygo to take the all-important penalty since the 21-year-old Brazilian was on a hat-trick.
Rodrygo’s substitution came at an expense of Toni Kross in the 68th minute, with the team still reeling to find a breakthrough.
Five minutes later, however, City opened the scoring through Riyad Mahrez and just when it all seemed lost, Madrid rose from the ashes to score two goals in as many minutes.
The likes of Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio played their part in the build-up, while Rodrygo proved out to be the impact sub Carlo Ancelotti was hoping to bring.
With the teams now level on aggregate score, the game headed in the added minutes and the crowd went into a sheer frenzy when Karim Benzema was brought down in the penalty area.
Referee was quick to point to the spot and Benzema indeed delivered, but his first words were to offer Rodrygo a chance to complete his Real Madrid hat-trick.
Given the gravity of the situation, however, Rodrygo rejected the chance and the Frenchman was tasked to do the honour and he did it with mere perfection.
The veteran forward, who scored his 15th goal of the ongoing Champions League campaign, calmly slotted a powerful penalty to his right while Ederson jumped on the other side.
Something extraordinary panned out in front of a rapturous Bernabeu crowd, but one cannot deny the sheer delirium of even those watching on their TV sets, as Madrid made their way to another UCL final and in some extraordinary style.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
