Champions League: Karim Benzema Explains Why He Took Risky Panenka Penalty vs Man City

• Karim Benzema stole the show during Real Madrid's Champions League trip to the Etihad to face Man City
• The Frenchman netted a brilliant brace during the encounter to hand his side a lifeline ahead of the second leg in Madrid
• Benzema netted one of the two goals from the penalty spot, opting for a high-risk Panenka to make the scores 4-3
• The striker's decision to play a Panenka during that crucial moment took a number of fans by surprise, with the France international revealing he was confident enough while taking it

Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has opened up on his decision to take a high-risk Panenka penalty against Man City.

Benzema was the man of the moment during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final tie staged at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, April 26.

The Frenchman who has been in sensational form netted a vital brace during the encounter which produced seven goals to keep Real's Champions League dream alive.

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Man City vs Real Madrid marked with a goal fest

Man City and Real Madrid shared seven goals between during their meeting in England, with the Premier League giants emerging victors.

City's Kevin De Bruyne opened the goal fest just two minutes into action to hand the hosts an early lead.

Gabriel Jesus doubled the advantage nine minutes later before Benzema pulled one back for Real in the 33rd minute.

Bernado Silva and Phil Foden went on to get their names on the scoresheet, with Real's Vinicius Jr also scoring with a brilliant solo effort.

Benzema sends football fans into a meltdown with an ice cold penalty

Despite City winning the clash, it was Benzema who stole the show with his ice cold Panenka penalty just eights minutes to time.

Given the crucial moment Real Madrid were awarded the spot-kick, it was expected Benzema would take it with some level of seriousness.

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However, the 34-year-old opted for a high-risk Panenka penalty which gave his side a lifeline in the tie.

Speaking on the decision, Benzema said:

"I always have it in my head that if you don't take a penalty, you will never miss a penalty," the striker told reporters as quoted by Goal.

"That's mental confidence and that's all. I have a lot of confidence in myself, so I do it and it turns out well," he added.