Former Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has explained how Karim Benzema emerged from Cristiano Ronaldo ’s shadow to become the club’s natural leader.
The Frenchman netted a stunning hat-trick as Madrid stunned Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. A quickfire second half hat-trick from Benzema turned the tie in the hosts' favour with a comeback described as "magic" by boss Ancelotti. Now 34, the former Lyon striker has found the best form of his career with Karanka describing him as having “aged like a fine wine”.
Karanka, now working as a pundit on LaLigaTV and as a technical analyst for UEFA, coached the two attacking superstar and club legends during his tenure as assistant to Jose Mourinho between 2010 and 2013. The peak was the 2011-12 campaign when Madrid won the league title by breaking multiple records including 100 points in a single season, a record 121 goals scored and goal difference of +89, a record 16 away wins and 32 overall wins.
