Karim Benzema Secures His Place in La Liga’s Hall of Fame With First Half Hattrick Against Almeria

• Real Madrid's Karim Benzema hit a first-half trick against Almeria to reach a new landmark in La Liga
• His hattrick against Almeria means he ranks among the league's greatest goal scorers of all-time
• The 35-year-old is only behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Telmo Zarra on the list

Karim Benzema etched his name in the sands of time with a stunning first-half hattrick against Almeria on Saturday afternoon, surpassing Hugo Sánchez as the fourth-highest scorer in La Liga history.

Prior to his latest milestone, Benzema had failed to score in his last three La Liga matches but effectively snapped his mini goal-scoring drought after just five minutes when he poked home from close range after a splendid effort on the flanks by Vinicius Junior.

He followed up with his personal second after Rodrygo Goes outwitted his marker before setting the Frenchman up, who made no mistake by planting the ball into the bottom corner. Benzema then completed his hat trick with a perfectly taken penalty just before halftime.

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His three goals for Real Madrid mean he is one goal shy of the current La Liga top scorer for this season Robert Lewandowski, but most importantly, ensured he became the fourth all-time top scorer in the Spanish top-flight with 236 goals, per MARCA.

The reigning Ballon d'Or holder is only behind Argentine playmaker and former Barcelona star Lionel Messi, Real Madrid record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo and legendary Spanish forward Telmo Zarra.

According to Squawka, this is the 35-year-old's third hattrick in the month of April, after chalking similar feats against Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Valladolid.

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The reigning Ballon d'Or winner joined Real Madrid in 2009 and has been an integral member of the first team since despite having offers from other clubs. He recently extended his contract till the summer of 2024.

He was linked with a move away to Arsenal in 2015, but the French striker laughed it off, claiming he would leave the best club in the world for the Gunners.

Ancelotti dispels rift with Benzema

Sports Brief previously reported that Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he and Karim Benzema are fine after the forward’s angry reaction at being substituted in the Champions League victory against Chelsea.

Benzema was taken off in the 77th minute by Ancelotti as Los Blancos were cruising 2-0 against the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Still, the forward was visibly upset at his Real Madrid manager for his action.

Ancelotti has confirmed there are no issues with Benzema after talking with the French forward after the game.