Karim Benzema: Real Madrid Faithful Call for French Forward to Be Benched

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner but there are calls for the Frenchman to be benched by the club.

The 35-year-old featured in Saunday's El Clasico as Los Blancos fell 2-1 to bitterest foes Barcelona in a must-win clash at Camp Nou.

The loss saw Carlo Ancelotti's side fall 12 points behind the Camp Nou outfit in the title race with a dozen games remaining.

Despite Benzema's incredible performances last season that saw him scoop the Ballon d'Or award, he hasn't been spared criticism.

The Frenchman struggled to make an impact in the game against Barcelona, failing to connect effectively with his teammates.

Having notched 19 goals and provided 5 assists in 29 outings so far this season, the ex-Lyon forward was on 36 goals and 15 assists at this stage last campaign.

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There is little doubt he is not the same player as he was last term though, with Marca reporting that a section of the Madrid faithful have called on Carlo Ancelotti to bench Benzema.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid correspondent Kiyan Sobhani called on Ancelotti to consider using Rodrygo Goes rather than Benzema given his current state of fitness.

He tweeted: "Why the obsession with playing Benzema every second that he's able to walk. Camavinga was one of the bright spots again, he should've been allowed to see the game out until the end. Rodrygo played with purpose off the bench. Deserves more. Starting XI shouldn't be so unshakeable."

Karim Benzema surpasses Raul

Karim Benzema can't stop scoring for Real Madrid.

The French attacker grabbed his 10th and 11th goals of the season against Elche and made a little history in the process, Sports Brief previously reported.

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Benzema has now surpassed Raul on the club's all-time goalscoring list in La Liga.

Benzema wins 24th Madrid trophy

Karim Benzema has been crucial to Real Madrid's success over the years, and he's closing in on more history with the club, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The French attacker is edging closer to becoming the most decorated player in the Spanish giants' history, but one player stands in his way.

With the addition of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, Benzema has now won 24 trophies with Los Blancos, Sports Brief previously reported.