Karim Benzema has dismissed the suggestion that Real Madrid were fortunate to win the Champions League this season.
Carlo Ancelotti's side battled back from losing positions in each of their knockout ties with their semi-final comeback against Manchester City the most impressive of all. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were also kicked out of the competition by Madrid, who then were able to get the better of Liverpool in Saturday's final despite fashioning only one shot on goal during proceedings.
Los Blancos' journey to securing their 14th Champions League was not the most convincing, though Benzema believes he and his team-mates were worthy winners of the biggest prize in club football.
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Speaking to Canal+ after the 1-0 victory over Liverpool, he said: "There is no luck. You can be lucky once but not every time. We deserve our victory. We put in the effort, we came back every time, we never gave up. Every player is important in our squad, whether they are a starter or a substitute, or they don't play often but give everything in training."
The France forward is now a near-certainty to land the 2022 Ballon d'Or award as his incredible campaign continues.
The 34-year-old has scored 44 goals and registered 15 assists in all competitions while winning the Champions League, La Liga, Supercopa de Espana and UEFA Nations League.
Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are therefore likely to miss out on the award with Benzema adamant he has done all in his power to receive it.
Asked if the Ballon d'Or is on his mind, he added: "Of course. I will join up with the national team but I don't think I can do much more with my club. We'll see what happens but, in any case, I am proud of what I have done."
