Real Madrid player Karim Benzema wants to put his disappointment at the World Cup behind him by winning another trophy.
Real Madrid player Karim Benzema wants to put his disappointment at the World Cup behind him by winning another trophy.
Due to an injury and his inability to represent France at the World Cup in Qatar, the Ballon d’Or winner will lead Madrid in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona.
“The World Cup has come to an end. Benzema said on Saturday that the most important thing is the game tomorrow. I’m ready and in great physical and mental shape. I’m only thinking about the game tomorrow. “The year before, I had a great year. This time, I’ve been hurt a few times, but I’m back on track and in good health. I’m doing very well.
Benzema reached the pinnacle of his lengthy and successful career last season when he led Madrid to a Champions League and Spanish league double. However, he has been unable to work since then due to leg injuries. The striker, who will turn 35 in December, wants to be the best. 24 with Madrid.
The minor title has gained significance since Spain’s most storied clubs and fiercest rivals reached the Riyadh final. To reach the semifinals, both teams had to win penalty shootouts; Real Betis was defeated by Barcelona, and Valencia was defeated by Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored a club record 450 goals for Madrid, paid a visit to his former team on Friday to show them his support following his move to Saudi Arabian soccer.
If they had been successful, Carlo Ancelotti’s team would have won their second title of the season following their victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup. They could also set a record if they win as many Spanish Super Cup trophies as Barcelona.
Under Xavi Hernández, Barcelona is under more and more pressure to bring the Super Cup back to Spain. It would be its first championship since winning the Copa del Rey in 2021 under its previous coach, Ronald Koeman. That was Lionel Messi’s 35th and final title with Barcelona before he moved on to Paris Saint-Germain.
Xavi puts in a lot of effort to become a coach. In order to improve the team with Robert Lewandowski and others, the club mortgaged its future last summer, but the team has not yet performed to its full potential.
In clasicos against Madrid, Coach Xavi has one win and two losses, including a 3-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals last season. “We have to win this final,” Xavi stated. Because we are Barça, the tension I experienced as a player was comparable to the current situation.
Due to their greater finals experience, Real Madrid has a psychological advantage, and I can see a strong team. We must demonstrate our ambition and desire to finally win a trophy.
The Copa del Rey-winning Spanish league champion previously competed in the Super Cup. The runners-up in both competitions are currently participating in a Final Four tournament in Saudi Arabia as part of a lucrative agreement with the Spanish federation. Barcelona finished in second place, while Real Madrid won the league.