Athletic fans applaud Benzema

Athletic has not lost in San Mamés since December 22 of last year. The lions fell that night against Real Madrid in an early League match given the presence of both teams weeks later in the Super Cup. Two early goals from Benzema gave the Whites the win despite Sancet’s later goal. San Mamés stood up and applauded the French striker when he was substituted by Jovic in the 90th minute.

The French striker did not return with his team to the Bilbao stadium in the Cup quarter-final match. He was injured. Ancelotti’s men succumbed that second time against Marcelino’s troops.

The whole of footballing Europe fell at the feet of Benzema last Wednesday. The Real Madrid striker signed a hat-trick that allowed his team to defeat and eliminate the almighty PSG of Mbappe, Messi, Neymar and company from the Champions League. Three goals like three suns.

How times, footballers and the treatment of certain players change. A few years ago, the now idolized French striker was booed by the Bernabéu’s own fans. Athletic, despite the fact that practically one game and another also the Frenchman ended up drilling his goal, can attest to this.

Benzema, 34, reached his footballing maturity in his thirties. He had always been a good striker, but for some time now he is at a crack level.

Here, meanwhile, Iñaki Williams continues to be questioned, despite the fact that he is one of the undisputed players in the lineups and does not miss a single game. Comparisons are obnoxious, but it’s not bad to refer to certain examples from time to time to see how things can change over time. The Athletic striker still has a long time ahead of him.

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