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UCL: Benzema brace powers Real Madrid to top of Group D

By primenewsghana
Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have scored more Champions League goals than Karim Benzema
Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski have scored more Champions League goals than Karim Benzema
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Karim Benzema's double took Real Madrid top of Group D as they held off a spirited Shakhtar Donetsk side in the Champions League.

Benzema tapped in the opener to record Real's 1,000th goal in European football's elite club competition.

The France forward swept in a second following good work from Vinicius Junior and Casemiro after Fernando had deservedly levelled for Shakhtar.

Sheriff Tiraspol lost by 3-1 to Inter Milan in the other Group D game.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti will be thankful for Benzema's clinical contribution in a contest that saw his side flatter to deceive against opposition they had thrashed in the reverse fixture little over two weeks ago.

READ ALSO: UCL: Ronaldo rescues Manchester United again, Chelsea move closer to last 16

Luka Modric twice had good opportunities to put the hosts in front early on but they dropped off the pace after Benzema turned home the opener courtesy of a shocking mix-up between visiting goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin and defender Marlon.

Alan Patrick, who had earlier hit the post for Roberto de Zerbi's side, superbly chested the ball into Fernando's path for the equaliser, with the Brazilian forward lashing his effort past home goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the roof of the net.

But Benzema's second of the evening from a glorious move proved decisive for the hosts, who have now won four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Results

Manchester City 4-1 Club Brugge
RB Liepzig 2- 2 PSG
AC Milan 1-1 Porto
Liverpool 2 - 0 Atletico Madrid
Dortmund 1-3 Ajax
Sporting CP 4-0 Besiktas
Real Madrid 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Sheriff Tiraspol 1-3 Inter