The Benzema Revolution: A Post-Ronaldo Renaissance for Real Madrid

When Cristiano Ronaldo departed Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, the footballing world braced for a cataclysmic shift at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese talisman had been the heart and soul of Los Blancos, scoring an astonishing 40+ goals per season and redefining what it meant to be a modern-day footballing icon. His exit left a void so gaping that even the most optimistic fans feared Real Madrid would be plunged into mediocrity. 

Yet, in the shadow of that seismic departure, Karim Benzema quietly emerged as the unlikeliest of heroes. Mocked by critics, trolled by fans, and dismissed as a mere supporting act during Ronaldo's reign, Benzema has since redefined himself as the centrepiece of Real Madrid’s post-Ronaldo era. 

A Moment of Magic: Real Madrid’s Carnival of Football 

In a match that epitomized the artistry of Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid, Benzema delivered a moment of pure genius that will be etched in memory. Just before halftime, Marcelo swept a pinpoint crossfield ball to Sergio Ramos, who had ventured into a centre-forward position. Ramos, ever the opportunist, flicked the ball to Benzema. What followed was an act of audacious brilliance—a back-heeled nutmeg to Casemiro, who surged into the box and rifled the ball home. 

The goal wasn’t merely a piece of individual skill; it was the culmination of a team move that showcased Real Madrid at their fluid best. It encapsulated Zidane’s philosophy—grace under pressure, creativity in tight spaces, and unwavering trust in the collective. 

The Post-Ronaldo Transition: Chaos and Resilience 

Real Madrid’s 2018-19 season was a tumultuous affair. Julen Lopetegui’s tenure was short-lived, undone by poor results and a lack of cohesion. Santiago Solari’s reign ended in heartbreak, with Ajax delivering a humiliating defeat at the Bernabéu. Florentino Pérez turned to Zidane, hoping the Frenchman could restore order to the chaos. 

Amid the turmoil, Benzema stood as a beacon of consistency. While the team struggled to find its identity, the French striker shouldered the burden of leadership, scoring crucial goals and delivering decisive performances. His tally of 52 goals in 93 matches since Ronaldo’s departure speaks volumes about his transformation from a perceived liability to an indispensable asset. 

The Evolution of Benzema: From Supporting Act to Leading Man 

For years, Benzema was overshadowed by Ronaldo’s brilliance. His role was often reduced to that of a facilitator, a selfless striker whose primary job was to create space and opportunities for his more illustrious teammate. Critics labelled him as inconsistent, wasteful, and unworthy of the Real Madrid shirt. 

But Ronaldo’s departure forced Benzema into the spotlight, and he embraced the challenge with remarkable poise. No longer the second fiddle, he evolved into a complete forward—a scorer, creator, and leader. 

Benzema’s contributions extend far beyond his goal tally. His ability to drop deep and link up play has been pivotal to Real Madrid’s attacking fluidity. His vision and technical prowess have produced over 20 assists in the post-Ronaldo era. And his defensive work rate, often overlooked, underscores his commitment to the team’s cause. 

The Zidane Effect: A Perfect Synergy 

Under Zidane, Benzema has flourished. The manager’s faith in the French striker has been unwavering, and Benzema has repaid that trust with performances that defy expectations. Zidane’s tactical setup, which emphasizes fluidity and positional interchange, has allowed Benzema to thrive as both a playmaker and a finisher. 

Zidane himself acknowledged Benzema’s brilliance after the match against Espanyol, saying, “Nothing Karim does surprises me. He is a player who can invent things on the pitch. The control, the back-heel, and the pass were all amazing. It might be one of the best pieces of play for the whole season.” 

A Season of Redemption 

Since the resumption of La Liga following the COVID-19 break, Benzema has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s pursuit of the title. His interplay with Eden Hazard led to the breakthrough goal against Eibar. His brace against Valencia showcased his clinical finishing. And his game-winning strike against Real Sociedad demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. 

The assist to Casemiro, however, was the pièce de résistance—a moment that epitomized Benzema’s artistry and selflessness. 

The Legacy of Benzema 

Benzema’s journey from the shadows of Ronaldo to the forefront of Real Madrid’s success is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering belief in his abilities. He has silenced his detractors with performances that combine skill, intelligence, and heart. 

In an era where football is often reduced to numbers and statistics, Benzema reminds us of the beauty of the game—the subtle touches, the intricate passes, and the moments of magic that leave us in awe. 

As Real Madrid march toward another potential La Liga title, they do so with Benzema leading the charge. He is not merely a replacement for Ronaldo; he is a player who has carved out his own legacy, one that will be remembered as the Benzema Revolution.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Night the Bernabéu Roared Again: A Tactical and Emotional Triumph for Real Madrid

For 1,954 days, the Santiago Bernabéu had been a fortress breached by its fiercest rivals, Barcelona. Not even the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo, during his tenure with Real Madrid, could break the jinx that plagued Los Blancos in El Clásico encounters on home turf. This prolonged drought coincided with a transitional phase for Real Madrid, a club once unrivalled in Europe, now seeking to rebuild its empire. On that fateful night, however, the Bernabéu bore witness to a revival—a victory that was as much a statement of intent as it was a tactical masterclass by Zinedine Zidane. 

A Tactical Chessboard: Zidane’s Gambit 

Zidane began the match with a traditional 4-3-3 formation but demonstrated his tactical acumen by adapting to the game’s demands. With the ball, Real Madrid morphed into an aggressive 4-2-4 setup, allowing Isco the freedom to roam and Federico Valverde to exploit the wide right flank. Off the ball, they transitioned into a compact 4-1-4-1 structure, with Karim Benzema leading the line and Casemiro anchoring the midfield. 

Benzema’s role was pivotal, though not in the traditional sense of a goal-scorer. Dropping deep to draw Barcelona’s defenders, Benzema created space for Valverde and Vinícius Júnior to exploit. His movement was a masterclass in selflessness, embodying the philosophy that if you can’t score, you create opportunities for others. 

Barcelona’s Possession Play: A Double-Edged Sword 

Quique Setién’s Barcelona adhered to their hallmark possession-based football, but Zidane’s high-pressing strategy turned this strength into a liability. Real Madrid’s vertically aligned pressing, with Benzema and Isco cutting off passing lanes, disrupted Barcelona’s build-up from the back. Marc-André ter Stegen, under pressure, was often forced into long balls or risky passes, one of which led to a crucial turnover. 

Casemiro, the linchpin of Madrid’s midfield, was relentless. His aerial dominance and positional awareness neutralized Arturo Vidal and Lionel Messi in key moments. Despite occasional lapses in focus during their man-oriented pressing, which allowed Barcelona to attack down the flanks, Real Madrid’s defensive resilience held firm. Marcelo, often criticized for his defensive frailties, delivered a performance for the ages, highlighted by a game-saving tackle on Messi. 

The Turning Point: Kroos and the Midfield Revival 

The game’s first hour was a tense affair, with Barcelona creating chances but failing to capitalize. Then came the introduction of Toni Kroos into the midfield—a decision that turned the tide. Kroos brought composure, vision, and leadership, orchestrating the game from the centre of the park. His ability to read the game and exploit Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities was instrumental. 

The breakthrough came from Kroos’ brilliance. Spotting Vinícius Júnior’s blindside run, reminiscent of Ronaldo Nazário in his prime, Kroos delivered a defence-splitting pass. Benzema’s intelligent dummy run drew defenders away, leaving Vinícius to race into the box and score via a deflection off ter Stegen. At just 19 years old, Vinícius became the youngest scorer in El Clásico in the 21st century, eclipsing Messi’s record. 

A Moment of Redemption: Mariano Díaz Seals the Victory 

As the game approached its conclusion, Zidane introduced Mariano Díaz, a player often overlooked in Madrid’s star-studded squad. In a moment of poetic justice, Mariano scored within seconds of his introduction, igniting wild celebrations in the Bernabéu. The stadium, which had long awaited such a moment, erupted in a cacophony of cheers, chants, and renewed hope. 

The Unsung Heroes: Casemiro, Marcelo, and Isco 

While Kroos and Vinícius grabbed the headlines, the contributions of Casemiro, Marcelo, and Isco were equally vital. Casemiro’s ability to break up play and shield the defence was unmatched, while Marcelo’s resurgence reminded the world of his attacking flair and defensive tenacity. Isco, operating at the tip of Madrid’s midfield diamond, seamlessly linked defence and attack, ensuring Madrid never lost their grip on the game. 

The Emotional Aftermath 

The final whistle was more than a signal of victory; it was a catharsis. The Bernabéu, draped in white and pulsating with emotion, celebrated as if a weight had been lifted. Cristiano Ronaldo, watching from the stands, joined the jubilation, his presence a reminder of the legacy Madrid seeks to uphold. 

This victory was not just about three points or reclaiming the top spot in La Liga. It was a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of a club that refuses to bow to adversity. Zidane’s tactical brilliance, coupled with the players’ grit and determination, ensured that the Bernabéu was once again a fortress, its echoes of celebration reverberating across the footballing world. 

In the annals of El Clásico history, this night will be remembered not just as a victory but as a renaissance—a reminder that even in transition, Real Madrid remains a force to be reckoned 

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar