Real Madrid vs PSG: Benzema Scores Hattrick as Real Stage Comeback to Storm Champions League Quarters

Real Madrid vs PSG: Benzema Scores Hattrick as Real Stage Comeback to Storm Champions League Quarters

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:57 PM
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  • Real Madrid vs PSG Champions League last 16 fixture ended in a 3-2 aggregate in favour of the Spanish giants
  • Real had to rely on a Karim Benzema hat-trick to sink the French side who looked on course to qualify for the quarters
  • Kylian Mbappe, who scored the tie's lone goal in the first leg was once again on target at Santiago Bernabeu
  • However, his efforts were not enough to help PSG book a place in the last eight as Real Madrid progressed at their expense

Real Madrid have booked a spot in the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League following their 3-1 thrilling win over Paris Saint-Germain.

The La Liga giants staged a stunning comeback in the second half of their second leg meeting with the French side on Wednesday night, March 9, to book their place in the last eight of the competition.

Real Madrid's players celebrate after Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema (L) scored a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO)
Real had to rely on a Karim Benzema hat-trick to sink the French side who looked on course to qualify for the quarters. Photo by JAVIER SORIANO.
Source: Getty Images

Real headed into the last 16 clash staged at Santiago Bernabeu with a mountainous task of overturning a 1-0 deficit suffered in the first leg of the tie played at Parc des Princes.

Kylian Mbappe sets PSG on course to quarter-finals

Kylian Mbappe was central in the result as he scored the winner deep in the second half to make up for Lionel Messi's missed penalty earlier in the match.

The Frenchman proved once again why he is one of the most sought after players in Europe right now as he scored his second goal of the tie during PSG's trip to the Spanish capital.

Mbappe set PSG on course to seal a place in the quarter-finals when he netted the opener in the 39th minute of the clash.

With Mauricio Pochettino's charges having a 2-0 aggregate advantage, they seemed a step away from making it to the last eight.

Karim Benzema's hat-trick dumps PSG out

However, Karim Benzema was out on a mission as he scored a quick-fire hat-trick to dump PSG out of the continental showpiece.

The Frenchman forward drew Real level in the 61st minute, before handing his side the lead in the 76th minute.

The 34-year-old went on to complete his hat-trick on the night with 12 minutes left on the clock to help Los Blancos storm the quarter-finals on a 3-2 goal aggregate.

Frank Leboeuf names Champions League favourites

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf has named his three favourites to win the Champions League this season.

A number of European heavyweights are still firmly in the competition - including Man City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and holders Chelsea.

However, Leboeuf does not see Chelsea retaining the European crown despite being on course to securing a quarter-final spot in the competition.

Instead, the former defender has backed one of Man City, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich to be crowned champions.

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Fred Kennedy
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