Real Madrid News
Karim Benzema reveals truth about relationship with club legend: ‘There’s a lot of respect’
Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has addressed one of the most talked-about topics surrounding his career, which is his relationship with long-time teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
With both legends now in the Saudi Pro League, old debates from their Real Madrid days have resurfaced once again.
Benzema and Ronaldo were key figures during one of the most dominant periods in the history of Real Madrid.
Their success, however, has often been accompanied by speculation about the true nature of their relationship.
While their partnership on the pitch delivered trophies and goals, some have long questioned whether there was tension behind the scenes.
That discussion gained new momentum recently when the two faced each other in Saudi Arabia.
Cameras focused heavily on their brief on-field greeting, which some fans described as distant or cold.
Social media quickly ran with the narrative, suggesting that the relationship between the two icons may not be as friendly as it once appeared.
Opening up on the matter
Benzema, however, has now responded directly to those claims. Speaking in a recent interview (h/t SPORT), the French striker explained that what fans see during a match does not reflect reality.
He clarified that there was contact between the two well before kickoff. Explaining what actually happened, Benzema said:
“No, please. We talked in the locker room. We hugged, we talked… Then on the field, we can’t or don’t have to do it again. The same thing again? There’s a lot of respect, we’re fine.”
The former Real Madrid captain went further, making it clear that neither he nor Ronaldo feels the need to perform for cameras or prove anything publicly.
“We don’t need to prove anything. We’re fine. We’ve both learned from each other. It seems as if we have to say things or do things in front of the television.
“That’s not the case. There’s a lot of respect. We find it on the field, and each of us does our own thing,” he added.
During their time together at Real Madrid, Benzema and Ronaldo played 342 matches side by side, winning 240 of them. They also drew 57 times and lost just 45, contributing a combined 73 goals together.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
