French striker Karim Benzema, then a standout with Real Madrid, found the back of the net against Valencia in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final that kept fans on edge. The drama stretched through regulation and into overtime as both teams traded goals, with the captaincy and experience of Benzema playing a pivotal role in Madrid’s pursuit of silverware.
The main 90 minutes and the extra period finished level at 1-1. Benzema opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, while Lino answered for Valencia in the 46th, setting up a tense shootout and a test of nerve under pressure for both sides as the clock wound down. The game delivered high-intensity moments, with the pace and tactical discipline of Madrid carrying them through a demanding spell against a determined opponent.
Madrid prevailed 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shootout, a win that hinged on precision and grit rather than sheer power. One save from Thibault Courtois jolted the stadium, and Benzema himself coolly converted the decisive spot kick, sealing the victory and pushing the club toward the final in dramatic fashion.
That goal marked Benzema’s fifth consecutive scoring appearance in a Spanish Super Cup, a streak that mirrored a historic record held by Lionel Messi, the legendary former Barcelona forward. The feat underscored Benzema’s enduring ability to perform at a high level in one of Spain’s most scrutinized competitions, reinforcing his status as a benchmark performer in knockout formats and high-pressure matches.
With the semi-final behind them, Madrid prepared to learn their opponent for the final, scheduled for today, January 12, as the other semi-final featured Real Betis taking on Barcelona. The pairing promised an appealing clash, pitting Betis’s resilience against Barcelona’s attacking intent and strategic evolution, setting the stage for a potentially memorable title decider.
Across the current season, Benzema had already contributed eight goals in nine La Liga appearances, illustrating his continued impact in domestic competition and his value to the squad’s attacking repertoire. His presence on the field provided leadership, creativity, and a burglar-like eye for goal, helping to drive Madrid’s forward momentum even when results demanded late composure and discipline.
Looking back broader still, Benzema’s career had recently been highlighted by major individual accolades and notable contributions in Europe. In a landmark year, he captured the Ballon d’Or, edging out rivals such as Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, recognizing his outstanding performances across the 2021-22 season and his role as a driving force for his club in Europe’s premier competition. He had also finished as the top scorer in the Champions League in the preceding campaign, underscoring his consistency at the highest level and his capacity to influence outcomes on big occasions.
Earlier reports had noted Lionel Messi scoring for Paris Saint-Germain after the World Cup and helping PSG secure a league victory over Angers, reflecting Messi’s enduring influence and the ongoing narrative of star players continuing to perform at the highest level in domestic and continental play. The broader picture of the season thus featured a blend of individual brilliance and team tactics, with Benzema’s goal-scoring run standing out as a central thread in Madrid’s competitive narrative and the ongoing chase for major trophies across Europe.