Karim Benzema reflected on the performance of Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid shocked Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round-of-16 on Wednesday night.
Two of the game’s leading strikers and teammates at international level, it was a case of the masterful old-head emerging victorious over the younger sensation, as Benzema’s quick-fire hat-trick cancelled out Mbappe’s devastating opener.
The 23-year-old also had two goals ruled out following VAR intervention, including one strike that followed a ludicrously skillful stepover to leave Thibaut Courtois stranded, though Mbappe eventually watched his side collapse.
Even amid so much on-field drama, however, links with a move to Madrid for Mbappe cannot be ignored.
Out of contract at the end of the season, the 2018 World Cup winner has often seemed destined to move to the Spanish capital on a free transfer, potentially linking up with Benzema at club level for at least a year.
Speaking after the game, Benzema offered some insight into Mbappe’s post-match thoughts.
“Kylian was disappointed after the game, it’s normal - he wanted to shine as always,” he said to RMC Sport.
“But he’s young, he has enough time to do it.”
