Carlo Ancelotti Appears to Take a Swipe at Benzema When Lauding New Striker Joselu

• Joselu endeared himself to Real Madrid fans by scoring the winner against Real Sociedad
• Los Blancos won by two goals to one to maintain a 100 percent start to the 2023/24 season
• Carlo Ancelotti praised new striker Joselu but appeared to aim a swipe at Karim Benzema

Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the season after beating a stubborn Real Sociedad side on Sunday.

Los Blancos boss, Carlo Ancelotti praised striker Joselu, who scored the game-winner, but his comments were a bit controversial and perhaps a slight dig at departed club legend, Karim Benzema.

The Spanish giants had to come from behind to get the win. Imanol Alguacil's side stunned the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium outfit after just five minutes when Ander Barrenetxea scored.

Federico Valverde's spectacular striker drew Real Madrid level just after the break.

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Joselu, who spent three years in the Spanish giants' academy between 2009 and 2012, scored the game-winner in the 60th minute with a towering header.

Real Madrid are the only team in La Liga with a 100% record after five games.

Ancelotti lauds Joselu, aims jab at Benzema

After the game, Ancelotti heaped praise on Joselu, who now has two La Liga goals from five appearances.

"I really like Joselu - as he’s a guarantee. He's very important because he's the only one with his qualities in attack. We missed someone like him the past seasons," he said via Fabrizio Romano.

Some Real Madrid fans viewed those comments as a jibe at Benzema, who left the club as a legend.

Ancelotti's comments can be interpreted differently and some believe he was suggesting Joselu gave Madrid qualities a player like Benzema lacked.

Some fans felt underwhelmed when the club signed the 33-year-old from Espanyol. Despite that, he has proven himself a capable striker.

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Joselu was the top Spanish goal-scorer in La Liga last season, scoring 16 times for his team, who were relegated, per the Athletic.

Karim Benzema scores audacious backheel

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Benzema showcasing his brilliance on goal with a stunning backheel while playing for Al-Ittihad against Al-Hilal.

However, it was Aleksandar Mitrovic's impressive hat-trick for the opposing team that ultimately decided the outcome of the SPL match.

In a video widely shared on social media afterwards, Benzema's goal was an absolute sensation, as he met a cross with a cheeky flick to score.