Real Madrid are playing for nothing in the final weeks of the season, but one man has stepped up to the mark during a dismal campaign.
Karim Benzema netted a hat-trick against Athletic Club on Sunday to take his goal total for the season up to 30.
That makes it his second-best record in a season in a Madrid shirt, and he is now just two strikes behind his record of 32 that he achieved during his third campaign with the club, in 2011/12.
In fact, Benzema has scored each of Madrid's last eight goals since he bagged the winner against Huesca three weeks ago.
Since then, he's scored goals against Valencia, Eibar, Leganes and now Athletic.
The striker is also the leading scorer of headers (11) in Europe's top five leagues this season.
It was Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Juventus that has forced Benzema to step up his game, with the Frenchman providing much more than just goals in the Madrid attack.
Only Lionel Messi has scored more goals than Benzema in LaLiga Santander this season, but there's no point comparing Messi to anyone else in the country.
Roaelmno
228
worst Ronaldo ruined benzema career while in Madrid .now see Ronaldo
KINGLMD10S
129
imagine Benzema knocks Juventus out of next seasons UCL in front of Ronaldo with a beautiful hat trick 🤣🤣🤣 I'm I the only one who wants to see Cristiano's reaction???🖐️🖐️ congratulations Benzema. you have broken the Ronaldo bond that was tieing you and you are free at last. let Suarez be sleeping?!
Yeyanotuy
112
The only good thing in Real Madrid full season🤣🤣
Natbdimr
65
a big thanks to all Barca fans who appreciates our players not those who those who criticising Madrid players
Bazzz
62
If benzema is given the penalty duty too, I'm positive his goals record would be sparkling. Somehow it's Ramos that got the penalty duty.