Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema announced an ankle injury suffered during the Champions League clash with Liverpool. The update came from the Union of European Football Associations, UEFA.
He explained, I left the field after a harsh kick to the ankle. It is only a bruise, and I expect to be ready for the Barcelona match on Sunday.
Real Madrid is preparing to face Barcelona on March 19, with kickoff scheduled for 23:00 Moscow time. The buildup centers on a fierce Clasico that fans have anticipated for weeks, a rivalry that often reshapes the season’s momentum.
In their most recent European meeting, Real Madrid eliminated Liverpool in the Round of 16. The first leg had already given Real a strong advantage, and the return leg in Madrid sealed a 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from Benzema, who struck in the 79th minute to settle the tie. The scoreline from the first leg stood at 5-2 in favor of Real Madrid, giving the Spaniards a commanding edge entering the second leg.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who previously guided Real Madrid, offered thoughts on potential quarterfinals, including a possible showdown with Italian club Milan in the next phase of the Champions League. His comments reflected the strategic considerations the squad faces as it navigates the knockout rounds and aims to maintain momentum for upcoming key fixtures, including the Milan or other potential opponents that could emerge from the remaining ties.
As fans look ahead, the focus remains on Benzema’s fitness status and Real Madrid’s ability to balance domestic battles with European ambitions. The club has consistently shown resilience in high-stakes matches, and the upcoming Clasico against Barcelona will be another test of depth, form, and tactical execution. The overarching narrative for Real Madrid centers on maintaining pace at the top of La Liga while pursuing a deep run in Europe, leveraging the leadership of veteran players and the energy of the squad’s younger talents.
Additional updates from UEFA and Real Madrid communication channels are expected to clarify Benzema’s recovery timeline and the team’s tactical plans for the Barcelona encounter and the broader Champions League path. The club remains focused on delivering strong performances across all competitions while managing injuries and squad rotation to protect key players for critical fixtures ahead.