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<title>Karim Benzema Archives - Sweet Melodies FM</title>
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<title>Karim Benzema Archives - Sweet Melodies FM</title>
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<title>Is Benzema’s goalless streak since August a cause for concern? Real Madrid’s coach Ancelotti explains their lack of concern</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/is-benzemas-goalless-streak-since-august-a-cause-for-concern-real-madrids-coach-ancelotti-explains-their-lack-of-concern/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:13:15 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=79950</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid have no concerns when it comes to Karim Benzema, despite the French forward enduring a barren run in front of goal. Has suffered with a muscle complaint Three goals in La Liga this season Still favourite to win Ballon d’Or WHAT HAPPENED? The Blancos captain found the target on 44 occasions […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/is-benzemas-goalless-streak-since-august-a-cause-for-concern-real-madrids-coach-ancelotti-explains-their-lack-of-concern/">Is Benzema’s goalless streak since August a cause for concern? Real Madrid’s coach Ancelotti explains their lack of concern</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="article_teaser__tKE0q" data-testid="teaser">Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid have no concerns when it comes to Karim Benzema, despite the French forward enduring a barren run in front of goal.</p>
<div></div>
<div class="article-body_body__JAkqy body">
<ul>
<li>Has suffered with a muscle complaint</li>
<li>Three goals in La Liga this season</li>
<li>Still favourite to win Ballon d’Or</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>WHAT HAPPENED? </strong>The Blancos captain found the target on 44 occasions across all competitions last season, with a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lewandowski-benzema-who-best-no-9-bayern-munich-france-coman/blt88251f42b07279a5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">collection of talismanic performances</a> contributing significantly to La Liga and Champions League title triumphs. Benzema has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/benzema-faces-least-three-weeks-out-after-real-madrid-confirm-hamstring-injury-against-celtic/blt729700730f6d9289" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suffered a muscle injury this season</a>, forcing him to sit out three games, but he has also failed to hit the net since August 28 – with his last four outings seeing a blank drawn in the final third.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT THEY SAID: </strong>Madrid boss Ancelotti has said of Benzema’s slight dip in end product, with another goalless outing taken in during a 2-1 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk: “He’s feeling great and was crucial thanks to his quality and his positioning. He put in a team performance and was a presence in the penalty area. He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but that’s the last thing we’re focusing on. His condition has improved a lot and he put in a complete performance.”</p>
<p><strong>THE BIGGER PICTURE: </strong>While Benzema may be struggling for a spark at present, his exploits in the 2021-22 campaign have made him a heavy favourite to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/men-s-ballon-d-or-2022-nominees-announced/bltbab3799a69a2601c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or</a> prize later this year.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-haaland-and-the-superstars-man-united-sought-but-failed-to-sign-a-new-player/">Benzema, Haaland, and the Superstars Man United sought but failed to sign a new player.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/how-have-lewandowski-and-benzema-performed-for-their-respective-clubs/">How have Lewandowski and Benzema performed for their respective clubs?</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>IN THREE PHOTOS:</strong></p>
<div class="inline-images_image__1CHzR">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt6d4a37576fdb4c40/633eb3c944a3ff11029b8122/GettyImages-1243752889.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="(min-width: 1440px) 876px, (min-width: 1040px) 620px, (min-width: 380px) 95vw, calc(66.67vw + 88px)" srcset="https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt6d4a37576fdb4c40/633eb3c944a3ff11029b8122/GettyImages-1243752889.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=876 876w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt6d4a37576fdb4c40/633eb3c944a3ff11029b8122/GettyImages-1243752889.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=620 620w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt6d4a37576fdb4c40/633eb3c944a3ff11029b8122/GettyImages-1243752889.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=480 480w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt6d4a37576fdb4c40/633eb3c944a3ff11029b8122/GettyImages-1243752889.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=320 320w" alt="Karim Benzema Real Madrid 2022-23" width="696" height="392" /><span class="headline_credit___O4Y8">Getty</span></div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="inline-images_image__1CHzR">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2af5fc7d207af0ca/633eb3f33f289b1118ab2e7e/GettyImages-1421394677.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="(min-width: 1440px) 876px, (min-width: 1040px) 620px, (min-width: 380px) 95vw, calc(66.67vw + 88px)" srcset="https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2af5fc7d207af0ca/633eb3f33f289b1118ab2e7e/GettyImages-1421394677.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=876 876w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2af5fc7d207af0ca/633eb3f33f289b1118ab2e7e/GettyImages-1421394677.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=620 620w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2af5fc7d207af0ca/633eb3f33f289b1118ab2e7e/GettyImages-1421394677.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=480 480w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2af5fc7d207af0ca/633eb3f33f289b1118ab2e7e/GettyImages-1421394677.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=320 320w" alt="Karim Bemzema Real Madrid 2022-23" width="696" height="392" /><span class="headline_credit___O4Y8">Getty</span></div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="inline-images_image__1CHzR">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt62a52a20ba2d8aae/633eb41983c10610d66976b9/GettyImages-1243679813.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="(min-width: 1440px) 876px, (min-width: 1040px) 620px, (min-width: 380px) 95vw, calc(66.67vw + 88px)" srcset="https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt62a52a20ba2d8aae/633eb41983c10610d66976b9/GettyImages-1243679813.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=876 876w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt62a52a20ba2d8aae/633eb41983c10610d66976b9/GettyImages-1243679813.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=620 620w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt62a52a20ba2d8aae/633eb41983c10610d66976b9/GettyImages-1243679813.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=480 480w,https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt62a52a20ba2d8aae/633eb41983c10610d66976b9/GettyImages-1243679813.jpg?quality=80&format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=320 320w" alt="Karim Benzema Real Madrid 2022-23" width="696" height="392" /><span class="headline_credit___O4Y8">Getty</span></div>
</div>
<p><strong>WHAT NEXT FOR BENZEMA? </strong>The France international will be eager to get back in the goal groove as soon as possible, with the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/france-leading-all-time-top-goal-scorer-henry-giroud-les-bleus/blt6c3c7eb0962eb536" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Cup finals in Qatar</a> also fast approaching, and Real will be in La Liga action on Saturday against Getafe.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/is-benzemas-goalless-streak-since-august-a-cause-for-concern-real-madrids-coach-ancelotti-explains-their-lack-of-concern/">Is Benzema’s goalless streak since August a cause for concern? Real Madrid’s coach Ancelotti explains their lack of concern</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>How have Lewandowski and Benzema performed for their respective clubs?</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/how-have-lewandowski-and-benzema-performed-for-their-respective-clubs/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2022 08:30:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Robert Lewandowski]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=78779</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Beginning with the upcoming season, two of the world’s best strikers will square off in the ElClasico. The transfer of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich to FC Barcelona is undoubtedly the most talked-about transfer of the current summer window. The current ‘Best FIFA Men’s Player’ left the Bundesliga giants after eight years to join the […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/how-have-lewandowski-and-benzema-performed-for-their-respective-clubs/">How have Lewandowski and Benzema performed for their respective clubs?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Beginning with the upcoming season, two of the world’s best strikers will square off in the ElClasico.</p>
<p>The transfer of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich to FC Barcelona is undoubtedly the most talked-about transfer of the current summer window.</p>
<p>The current ‘Best FIFA Men’s Player’ left the Bundesliga giants after eight years to join the Catalan side for €50 million.</p>
<p>With the arrival of the 33-year-old, LaLiga now boasts two of the world’s best strikers, Lewandowski at Barcelona and Karim Benzema at Real Madrid.</p>
<div class="article-poster"><img class="poster-img" sizes="(min-width: 1580px) 668px, (min-width: 980px) 608px,(min-width: 740px) 684px, (min-width: 580px) 518px, (min-width: 480px) 426px, 439px" srcset="https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=500 500w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=600 600w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=700 700w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=800 800w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=1000 1000w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=1200 1200w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltcffcea7bac94ee8a/62d4b81eb133450f8f66e680/FX6Q8eUWYAE2AfO_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=1400 1400w" alt="Robert Lewandowski FC Barcelona 2022" /></p>
<div class="credits">@FCBarcelona</div>
</div>
<p>ElClasico is one of the most famous fixtures in the world with huge interest generated whenever Real Madrid take on Barcelona.</p>
<p>Now, with the arrival of Lewandowski to Barcelona, we’ll see two top strikers go head-to-head in the ElClasico. Karim Benzema has been in stunning form Real Madrid during the 2021/22 season, helping them win the Champions League. Lewandowski is the reigning FIFA Men’s Best Player.</p>
<p>There will be a bit of spice and flavour to the upcoming ElClasicos.</p>
<div class="article-poster"><img class="poster-img" sizes="(min-width: 1580px) 668px, (min-width: 980px) 608px,(min-width: 740px) 684px, (min-width: 580px) 518px, (min-width: 480px) 426px, 439px" srcset="https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=500 500w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=600 600w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=700 700w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=800 800w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=1000 1000w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=1200 1200w, https://assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt4c0732b3c569ee4e/62aecc18496ee46bf0c8aa42/benzs.jpg?auto=webp&format=jpg&quality=60&width=1400 1400w" alt="Karim Benzema Real Madrid Chelsea" /></p>
<div class="credits">Getty Images</div>
</div>
<p>So which striker between Lewandowski and Benzema performed better in club football? Let’s find out.</p>
<h2>How has Robert Lewandowski performed in his club career?</h2>
<h3>Lewandowski at Bayern Munich</h3>
<div class="table-container-scroll">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Competition</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Matches</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Goals</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Assists</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bundesliga</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>253</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>238</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>45</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UEFA Champions League</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>78</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>69</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>18</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DFB Pokal</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>33</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>29</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>7</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DFL Super Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>8</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>6</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>0</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UEFA Super Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>0</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FIFA Club World Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>2</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>2</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>375</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>344</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>72</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<h3>Lewandowski at Dortmund</h3>
<div class="table-container-scroll">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Competition</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Matches</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Goals</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Assists</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bundesliga</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>131</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>74</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>30</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UEFA Champions League</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>28</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>17</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>7</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DFB Pokal</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>17</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>10</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>4</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DFL Super Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>0</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Europa League</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>8</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>187</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>103</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>42</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<h3>Lewandowski at Lech Poznan</h3>
<div class="table-container-scroll">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Competition</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Matches</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Goals</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Assists</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PKO Ekstraklasa</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>58</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>32</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>15</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Europa League/UEFA Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>16</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>6</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fortuna Polish Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>7</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>2</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>2</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Superpuchar Polski</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>0</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>82</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>41</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>20</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<h2>How has Karim Benzema performed in his club career?</h2>
<h3>Benzema at Real Madrid</h3>
<div class="table-container-scroll">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Competition</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Matches</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Goals</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Assists</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LaLiga</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>414</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>219</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>116</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UEFA Champions League</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>123</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>74</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>26</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Copa del Rey</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>44</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>21</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>11</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FIFA Club World Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>8</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>2</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UEFA Super Cup</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>4</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Supercop de Espana</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>11</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>5</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>604</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>323</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>159</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<h3>Benzema at Lyon</h3>
<div class="table-container-scroll">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Competition</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Matches</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Goals</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Assists</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ligue 1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>112</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>43</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>23</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UEFA Champions League</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>19</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>12</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coupe de France</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>11</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>9</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coupe de la Ligue</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>0</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trophee des Champions</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>3</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>1</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>9</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Trophy</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>148</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>66</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td><strong>27</strong></p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<h2>How many trophies have Lewandowski and Benzema won?</h2>
<div class="table-container-scroll">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Trophies</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
<th>Total</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Robert Lewandowski</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>Ekstraklasa (1), Polish Cup (1), Polish Super Cup (1), Bundesliga (10), DFB pokal (4), DFL Super Cup (6), Champions League (1), Club World Cup (1), Club World Cup (1).</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>26</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karim Benzema</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
</td>
<td>Ligue 1 (4), Coupe de France (1), Trophee des Champions (2), LaLiga (4), Copa del rey (2), Supercopa de Espana (4), Champions League (5), UEFA Super Cup (3), Club World Cup (4)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/how-have-lewandowski-and-benzema-performed-for-their-respective-clubs/">How have Lewandowski and Benzema performed for their respective clubs?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Benzema, Haaland, and the Superstars Man United sought but failed to sign a new player.</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-haaland-and-the-superstars-man-united-sought-but-failed-to-sign-a-new-player/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2022 11:37:40 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Erling Braut Haaland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Man United]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=78250</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Darwin Nunez’s move to Liverpool has seen Manchester United miss out on their top striker target this summer, leaving new manager Erik ten Hag to consider alternatives. But he is not the only United boss to taste disappointment in the market, with Sir Alex Ferguson repeatedly failing to land the players he was convinced would become Old Trafford icons. With […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-haaland-and-the-superstars-man-united-sought-but-failed-to-sign-a-new-player/">Benzema, Haaland, and the Superstars Man United sought but failed to sign a new player.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="article_content__xsTqb">
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p><strong><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/liverpool-record-signing-nunez-online-abuse-benfica/bltb217570af00de295" target="_self" rel="noopener">Darwin Nunez’s move to Liverpool</a> has seen Manchester United miss out on their top striker target this summer, leaving new manager <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/ten-hag-control-freak-blind-manchester-united-expect-new/blt69728646eb88038c" target="_self" rel="noopener">Erik ten Hag</a> to consider alternatives.</strong></p>
<p>But he is not the only United boss to taste disappointment in the market, with Sir Alex Ferguson repeatedly failing to land the players he was convinced would become Old Trafford icons.</p>
<p>With that in mind, <strong>GOAL</strong> has chosen 10 of the standout players who the Red Devils wanted, but never managed to bring to Old Trafford…</p>
</div>
<div class="article_favouriteTeam__i9Dc9"></div>
</div>
<div class="article_children__aU4Rd">
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<p><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt02aa2c3401eae7de/60e08680a970630a7c1e5069/abc8c15417c886487ee641edb0df4b8fae6371cb.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="On This Day Alan Shearer Newcastle Sunderland" width="696" height="392" /></p>
<p><span style="color: #111111; font-family: roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 27px;">Alan Shearer</span></p>
</div>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>The ultimate one that got away for Sir Alex Ferguson.</p>
<p>As all-conquering as Ferguson’s United were, how much better would they have been with Shearer at the point of their attack?</p>
<p>Would Blackburn Rovers have beaten them to the Premier League title in 1995 without Shearer banging in the goals?</p>
<p>And just how lethal would he have been on the end of David Beckham’s service?</p>
<p>Twice Ferguson missed out on signing the Premier League’s all-time leading goal-scorer – but it was the failure to lure him to Old Trafford in the summer of 1996 that felt most costly.</p>
<p>Even with Eric Cantona’s ailing powers and a misfiring Andy Cole, United still reached the Champions League semi finals, only to waste a glut of glorious chances against Borussia Dortmund to exit the competition.</p>
<p>It is hard to imagine Shearer not making the difference in that European campaign.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt96fbcc9168d67ec5/627ad2e1c5386a4c3711c681/Sadio_Mane_Jordan_Henderson_Liverpool_away_2021-22.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Liverpool away 2021-22" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<div class="slide_hashBar__PXGbt"></div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Sadio Mane</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>Louis van Gaal has had a lot to say about United’s failure to deliver in the transfer market during his tenure at the club, and perhaps Mane is the standout example of the targets that Ed Woodward missed on during the Dutchman’s reign.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/sadio-mane-liverpool-striker-to-join-bayern-munich-in-deal-worth-up-to-35m/">Sadio Mane: Liverpool striker to join Bayern Munich in deal worth up to £35m</a></li>
</ul>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>When United’s interest in the then-Southampton forward emerged in 2015, it was seen as a surprise move – even if the Senegal international had impressed at St Mary’s.</p>
<p>And even when Mane signed for Liverpool for £34m the following summer, few expected him to develop into one of the finest attackers in the world.</p>
<p>Mane’s proposed move to Bayern Munich this summer will bring to an end a spectacular six years on Merseyside where he has won the lot while United have barely tasted any success.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltf0347f8350572b35/62a7384445ee6823c6496c68/John_Barnes_Liverpool.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="John Barnes Liverpool" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<div class="slide_hashBar__PXGbt"></div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">John Barnes</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>Ferguson only had himself to blame for failing to beat Liverpool to the signature of Barnes when he left Watford in 1987.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>While the United manager was a huge fan of the England winger, he believed he was already well-covered in that department with Jesper Olsen.</p>
<p>Olsen, though, failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford and did not last long under Ferguson.</p>
<p>Barnes, meanwhile, won two league titles and two FA Cups with Liverpool, was named PFA Player of the Year in 1988 and twice won the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year award, in 1988 and 1990.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt370d748998d77016/60e0b529eecbe32c838697be/d7c0e5fdb24e838cfadf50ccbf8631afeac41bef.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Toni Kroos Real Madrid" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<div class="slide_hashBar__PXGbt"></div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Toni Kroos</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>Real Madrid and Germany legend Kroos is one of a stellar cast of midfielders David Moyes missed out on during his eight months in charge at Old Trafford.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>Moyes believed he had a deal for Kroos lined up ahead of what would have been his second summer transfer window, placing the then-Bayern Munich star at the heart of his planne rebuild.</p>
<p>But the Scot didn’t even make it to the end of his first season at helm, with the Glazers pulling the plug on his tenure after a disastrous campaign saw United miss out on Champions League qualification.</p>
<p>Perhaps it would have been different had he landed either of his midfield targets the previous summer – Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/absolutely-not-deserved-toni-kroos-on-lionel-messis-ballon-dor-win/">‘Absolutely not deserved’ – Toni Kroos on Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or win</a></li>
</ul>
<p>We will never know.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/bltee217e007bff4bb6/60dbc27a3388dd0edc0a7c30/969e18b357b61d7b54a5ac85f6c7fdcdf13ee403.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Peter Beardsley - Liverpool 1990" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Peter Beardsley</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>United were quoted £3m by Newcastle when Ferguson wanted to make Beardsley part of his great rebuild in the summer 1987.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>The England international, though, ended up joining rivals Liverpool for just £1.9m before becoming a key part of Kenny Dalglish’s unstoppable title-winners the following season.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt60aee7a61566caed/6269b0834e59e66a7a9b28eb/henderson-tongue.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Jordan Henderson Liverpool Villarreal Champions League 2021-22" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<div class="slide_hashBar__PXGbt"></div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Jordan Henderson</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>Ferguson freely admits that he was a huge fan of Henderson’s when he was emerging into the first-team picture at Sunderland, and thought he would be an ideal fit for United.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>But at the point he was preparing to make a bid for the midfielder, he was advised against a move because of Henderson’s running style. Apparently, the club’s medical department feared it would lead to injuries.</p>
<p>“We loved him as a player and he has proved that now, he has been fantastic and all the stories I am being told, it tells me I missed out on a really good person,” Ferguson later said of a man who has lifted all four major trophies as captain of Liverpool in recent years.</p>
</div>
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<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt32807f964d53a6ca/62b08a0bb0fdb673209369df/Mick_Harford_Luton_Town.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Mick Harford Luton Town" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<div class="slide_hashBar__PXGbt"></div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Mick Harford</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>Okay, so Mick wasn’t a superstar but before Eric Cantona’s arrival, and before the twice-failed pursuit of Shearer, there was Harford – the veteran Luton Town striker, who at 33, was the unlikeliest of transfer targets for a title-chasing team in 1992.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>Though there was interest, Ferguson never actually made a formal offer for the target man – and came to regret it.</p>
<p>He believed Harford would have added another dimension to a United team that had become too predictable in the closing stages of the season and were suddenly struggling for goals.</p>
<p>Harford, he thought, would be United’s answer to Lee Chapman, the spearhead of title rivals Leeds, who would go on to be crowned champions.</p>
<p>Ferguson was so convinced that Leeds’ greater aerial presence had been the key difference that he went and signed Dion Dublin the following summer.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt7c729626ed5de52a/62a721dd40d1742cc37e6ed6/Erling_Haaland_Manchester_City_2022-23.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Erling Haaland Manchester City 2022-23" width="696" height="392" /></div>
</div>
<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Erling Haaland</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>As if missing out on one of the finest talents in the world wasn’t bad enough, United are now going to have to watch on as Haaland spearheads Manchester City’s attack.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>The Red Devils were never serious contenders to sign the Haaland this summer, but back in the winter of 2019, they were well in the hunt for the prodigious Norway striker.</p>
<p>And they had a unique advantage in the form of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Not only was he a legend in Norway, but he was also Haaland’s mentor at Molde.</p>
<p>The chance to reunite at Old Trafford was surely too good to resist?</p>
<p>Instead, Haaland signed for Dortmund in a bargain £18m deal, as United went onto claim that the buyout clause that the player’s management insisted be inserted into his contract was a deal breaker.</p>
<p>Either way, United missed out on an absolute goal machine.</p>
</div>
<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt0415bbfe766946e1/60e097c0d731072d7c7c4ade/0b4c3ea26d95f64ac47320d5dcc24f8cfeaa2986.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Paul Gascoigne | Tottenham" width="696" height="392" /></div>
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<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Paul Gascoigne</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>No one will ever know if Ferguson could have tamed Gascoigne’s wild side and inspired him to reach his full potential. but in the summer of 1988, he was certain he had convinced the playmaker to join his United revolution.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>Instead, while relaxing on holiday, Ferguson heard his name called out over the hotel loud speaker.</p>
<p>Then-United chairman Martin Edwards was on the line. He had bad news: Gascoigne was joining Tottenham.</p>
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<div class="media_poster__OA_vj component-poster" data-type="Image">
<div class="headline_image__AaEuQ component-image-headline"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="component-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/assets.goal.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt01f6eaf7bf69a273/6278e645c5386a4c3711c5c9/Karim_Benzema_Real_Madrid_2021-22.jpg?resize=696%2C392&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1440px) 1000px, (min-width: 1024px) 620px, 100vw" alt="Karim Benzema Real Madrid 2021-22" width="696" height="392" /></div>
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<h2 class="slide_headline__N7_BG">Karim Benzema</h2>
<div class="cms-body_body__axbyW">
<p>When Ferguson reluctantly agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the 2009 season, he had a plan as to how to fill the void left by the best player in the world leaving Old Trafford.</p>
<div class="oddsServeCreative"></div>
<p>That plan was Karim Benzema.</p>
<p>There was one problem, though. While Real Madrid might have been committing to spend a world-record £80m on Ronaldo, they had enough in reserve to also pay the £25m required to land Benzema from Lyon.</p>
<p>It says everything that while Ronaldo is now back at Old Trafford but past his best, Benzema has just fired Madrid to their 14th European Cup and is the odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-haaland-and-the-superstars-man-united-sought-but-failed-to-sign-a-new-player/">Benzema, Haaland, and the Superstars Man United sought but failed to sign a new player.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<title>Karim Benzema has been crowned the season’s Champions League player</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-has-been-crowned-the-seasons-champions-league-player/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2022 15:26:20 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Champions League]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=77310</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been named the Champions League player of the season. The France international, 34, won the competition for a fifth time as Real beat Liverpool 1-0 in the final. He scored 15 goals in 12 Champions League games and is a leading contender to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. Benzema’s teammate Vinicius […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-has-been-crowned-the-seasons-champions-league-player/">Karim Benzema has been crowned the season’s Champions League player</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="qa-introduction gel-pica-bold" role="introduction" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-1"><strong>Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been named the Champions League player of the season.</strong></p>
<div data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2">
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0.0">The France international, 34, won the competition for a fifth time as Real </span><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0.$link-2.0">beat Liverpool 1-0 in the final.</span></p>
<div class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1"></div>
</div>
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.0">He scored 15 goals in 12 Champions League games and is a leading contender </span><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.$link-2.0">to win this year’s Ballon d’Or</span><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.3">.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4.0">Benzema’s teammate Vinicius Jr, who scored the only goal in the final, has been selected as the tournament’s young player of the season.</span></p>
<ul>
<li data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4"><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-hat-trick-leaves-chelsea-mountain-to-climb/">Benzema hat-trick leaves Chelsea mountain to climb</a></li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5.0">The 21-year-old scored four goals and made six assists in the 2021-22 campaign.</span></p>
<div id="bbccom_mpu_mid_1_2_3_4" class="bbccom_slot bbccom_standard_slot bbccom_visible"></div>
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6.0">The pair are joined in the Champions League team of the season by Real midfielder Luka Modric and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was man of the match in Paris.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7.0">Runners-up Liverpool also have four players included, with defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and midfielder Fabinho featuring.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8"><span data-reactid=".23uk99raecc.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8.0">The team of the season is completed by Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.</span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-has-been-crowned-the-seasons-champions-league-player/">Karim Benzema has been crowned the season’s Champions League player</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Benzema hat-trick leaves Chelsea mountain to climb</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-hat-trick-leaves-chelsea-mountain-to-climb/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:31:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Chelsea]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=75950</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Chelsea’s hold on the Champions League hangs precariously after Karim Benzema’s hat-trick put Real Madrid in a position of power following the quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. Real coach Carlo Ancelotti made a winning return to the club where he won the Premier League and FA Cup double after veteran France striker Benzema delivered […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-hat-trick-leaves-chelsea-mountain-to-climb/">Benzema hat-trick leaves Chelsea mountain to climb</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="qa-introduction gel-pica-bold" role="introduction" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-1"><strong>Chelsea’s hold on the Champions League hangs precariously after Karim Benzema’s hat-trick put Real Madrid in a position of power following the quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.</strong></p>
<div data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2">
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0.0">Real coach Carlo Ancelotti made a winning return to the club where he won the Premier League and FA Cup double after veteran France striker Benzema delivered his latest masterclass.</span></p>
<div class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1">Benzema, 34 and fresh from the treble that sunk Paris St-Germain in the last 16 punished holders Chelsea with two magnificent headers in the space of three minutes midway through the first half.</div>
<div data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1"></div>
<div class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1">Kai Havertz’s header gave Chelsea hope before the break but keeper Edouard Mendy’s poor clearance seconds after the restart gifted Benzema his third to put Real in command of the tie before the second leg at the Bernabeu next Tuesday (12 April).</div>
</div>
<div data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1"></div>
<div data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1">
<h3 class="story-body__crosshead" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-6">Chelsea punished heavily for errors</h3>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7.0">Chelsea battled to the end of this first leg but were always fighting an uphill task after they were hit by Benzema’s brilliant one-two and then saw their hopes of mounting a comeback wrecked by a self-inflicted wound.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8.0">Real had already delivered a warning about the danger they posed when Vinicius Junior hit the bar but that went unheeded as he provided the cross for Benzema’s flying headed opener.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-9"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-9.0">And once Benzema had confirmed his aerial threat with a second, Chelsea were always vulnerable against a side who are the masters of these Champions League situations.</span></p>
<figure class="gs-u-mt0 gs-u-mb-alt+ story-body__media story-body__media--figure qa-story-body-media" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$image-10">
<p><figure style="width: 624px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="qa-srcset-image" src="https://i0.wp.com/ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/8EFF/production/_124070663_gettyimages-1239791154-1.jpg?resize=624%2C351&ssl=1" sizes="auto, (min-width: 1280px) 800px, (min-width: 900px) 624px, (min-width: 600px) 976px, (min-width: 400px) 624px, 400px" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/400/cpsprodpb/8EFF/production/_124070663_gettyimages-1239791154-1.jpg 400w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/8EFF/production/_124070663_gettyimages-1239791154-1.jpg 624w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8EFF/production/_124070663_gettyimages-1239791154-1.jpg 800w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/8EFF/production/_124070663_gettyimages-1239791154-1.jpg 976w" alt="Karim Benzema becomes the fourth player to score a hat-trick in back-to-back Champions League appearances after Cristiano Ronaldo (2017), Lionel Messi (2016) and Luiz Adriano (2014)." width="624" height="351" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$image-10.0.0.0" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">IMAGE COPYRIGHT / AFP/ Karim Benzema became the fourth player to score back-to-back Champions League hat-tricks after Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Luiz Adriano</figcaption></figure><figcaption class="gel-brevier gs-u-ph+ gs-u-pv-alt story-body__media__caption story-body__media__caption--image" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$image-10.1"></figcaption></figure>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11.0">Havertz, the match-winner in last season’s Champions League final win against Manchester City, gave a subdued Stamford Bridge some hope but the entire destiny of the tie may have turned in the opening 40 seconds after the interval.</span></p>
<ul>
<li data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11"><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-sends-real-madrid-seven-points-clear/">Benzema sends Real Madrid seven points clear</a></li>
<li data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11"><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-double-seals-victory-for-real-against-shakhtar/">Benzema double seals victory for Real against Shakhtar</a></li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-12"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-12.0">Mendy, normally so reliable, made an expensive misjudgement when he raced from goal only to send a weak pass in the direction of Antonio Rudiger.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-13"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-13.0">The defender was unable to gain control and the predatory Benzema was in like a flash to roll the ball into the unguarded net with Mendy looking on in anguish.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-14"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-14.0">It came just after Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had introduced Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech at the start of the second half to build on Havertz’s goal, but the changes were undermined before they had any chance to take effect.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-15"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-15.0">Tuchel later brought on Romelu Lukaku in a desperate attempt to retrieve the situation but his struggles were summed up when he sent a weak header wide with one of Chelsea’s best chances of the night.</span></p>
<p data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-15">Chelsea have demonstrated an ability to overcome adversity in the past but with Real holding a two-goal advantage going into the second leg at the Bernabeu, it would rank as one of their finest achievements if they were to reach the last four from this position.</p>
<h3 class="story-body__crosshead" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$crosshead-19">Madrid the masters once more</h3>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-20"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-20.0">Real Madrid may be runaway leaders in La Liga but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were regarded as rank outsiders as they chase a 14th triumph in this competition in its guises as the European Cup and Champions League.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-21"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-21.0">Yet, after the dramatic comeback against the odds to knock out Paris St-Germain in the last 16, with this show of experience and class at Stamford Bridge they demonstrated once again that their credentials are dismissed at your peril.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-22"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-22.0">And in Ancelotti, for all the speculation surrounding his long-term future at the Bernabeu, they have a leader who has demonstrated his expertise by winning this trophy three times with AC Milan and Real.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-23"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-23.0">The coach and Real’s players showed they are old hands at this and how they punished Chelsea, with Benzema and the 36-year-old Croatia maestro Luka Modric at their heart, to take a giant stride towards the semi-final.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-24"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-24.0">Benzema gets better with age, scoring two headers of the highest class before poaching a third goal, while Modric retains that priceless ability to control the tempo of games, retain possession and always make the right choice from the options available.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-25"><span data-reactid=".2eprxvudmeg.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-25.0">Ancelotti will take nothing for granted but the veteran Italian, who flew into London on the day of the game after recovering from Covid-19, cut a highly satisfied figure at the final whistle.</span></p>
</div>
<div class="media block-link block-link--hover" data-bbc-container="sport" data-bbc-title="Benzema hat-trick leaves Chelsea mountain to climb" data-bbc-source="European Football" data-bbc-metadata="{"CHD": "card::3" }">
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-hat-trick-leaves-chelsea-mountain-to-climb/">Benzema hat-trick leaves Chelsea mountain to climb</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<title>Benzema sends Real Madrid seven points clear</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-sends-real-madrid-seven-points-clear/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2021 12:26:35 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[La Liga]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=72022</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the game as Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points by beating Athletic Bilbao. The France international scored his 17th goal of the season when he diverted home Luka Modric’s wayward shot five minutes before half-time. The visitors pressed late on […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-sends-real-madrid-seven-points-clear/">Benzema sends Real Madrid seven points clear</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="qa-introduction gel-pica-bold" role="introduction" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-1"><strong>Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the game as Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points by beating Athletic Bilbao.</strong></p>
<div data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2">
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0.0">The France international scored his 17th goal of the season when he diverted home Luka Modric’s wayward shot five minutes before half-time.</span></p>
<div class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.1"></div>
</div>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.0">The visitors pressed late on but were unable to find an equaliser and remain eighth, without a win in six games.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4.0">Victory extended Real’s advantage over defending champions Atletico Madrid.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5.0">And Carlo Ancelotti’s side were dominant for long periods, having 62% possession and 17 shots on goal.</span></p>
<ul>
<li data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5"><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-french-footballer-guilty-in-sex-tape-blackmail-case/">Karim Benzema: French footballer guilty in sex tape blackmail case</a></li>
<li data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5"><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-double-seals-victory-for-real-against-shakhtar/">Benzema double seals victory for Real against Shakhtar</a></li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6.0">They made the breakthrough when Benzema turned home from 10 yards for his 12th league goal of the season after Modric skewed a shot into his path when Unai Simon parried Marco Asensio’s effort.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7.0">Benzema has now scored 35 goals in 46 games in all competitions for Real in 2021, equalling his best goalscoring tally in a single calendar year for the club in 2019.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8"><span data-reactid=".2cefn1wgm0q.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8.0">Mikel Vesga was twice denied by good Real blocks, while Yeray and Oier Zarraga both failed to hit the target with late efforts.</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-sends-real-madrid-seven-points-clear/">Benzema sends Real Madrid seven points clear</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<title>Karim Benzema: French footballer guilty in sex tape blackmail case</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-french-footballer-guilty-in-sex-tape-blackmail-case/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2021 11:55:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=71599</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been found guilty of conspiring to blackmail a fellow French footballer with a sex tape. A judge handed Benzema a one-year suspended jail term and ordered him to pay a €75,000 (£63,000; $84,000) fine. Benzema, 33, was one of five people put on trial last month over […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-french-footballer-guilty-in-sex-tape-blackmail-case/">Karim Benzema: French footballer guilty in sex tape blackmail case</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00"><b class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3">France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been found guilty of conspiring to blackmail a fellow French footballer with a sex tape.</b></p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">A judge handed Benzema a one-year suspended jail term and ordered him to pay a €75,000 (£63,000; $84,000) fine.</p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Benzema, 33, was one of five people put on trial last month over an attempt to extort Frenchman Mathieu Valbuena.</p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The scandal has stunned the football community in France and both players lost their national team places.</p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">The case dates back to June 2015, when the two footballers were at a French training camp.</p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">At the camp, Benzema put pressure on Valbuena to pay off the blackmailers, whom he had conspired with to act as an intermediary, prosecutors said.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-absent-as-sex-tape-blackmail-trial-begins/">Benzema absent as sex tape blackmail trial begins</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-double-seals-victory-for-real-against-shakhtar/">Benzema double seals victory for Real against Shakhtar</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div id="piano-inline1">Benzema has always denied the allegations and insisted he was only trying to help Valbuena get rid of the compromising video.</div>
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<div>The player has since returned to the France team and is expected to start for Real Madrid on Wednesday night when they play FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League.</div>
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<div>Benzema was not present in court in Versailles for the verdict, nor was Valbuena who plays for Greek club Olympiakos.</div>
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<div>Four of Benzema’s co-defendants in the trial were also found guilty on Wednesday.</div>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">Benzema’s lawyers said they would appeal his conviction. “The reaction is ultimately an angry one to this judgment which is perfectly contradictory,” his lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, told reporters outside court.</p>
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<p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">But when delivering the verdict, the judge said Benzema was “personally involved” in the scheme to extort money.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/karim-benzema-french-footballer-guilty-in-sex-tape-blackmail-case/">Karim Benzema: French footballer guilty in sex tape blackmail case</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<title>Benzema double seals victory for Real against Shakhtar</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-double-seals-victory-for-real-against-shakhtar/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:16:50 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=70963</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Karim Benzema’s double took the Real Madrid top of Group D as they held off a spirited Shakhtar Donetsk side in the Champions League. Benzema tapped in the opener to record Real’s 1,000th goal in European football’s elite club competition. The France forward swept in a second following good work from Vinicius Junior and Casemiro […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-double-seals-victory-for-real-against-shakhtar/">Benzema double seals victory for Real against Shakhtar</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="qa-introduction gel-pica-bold" role="introduction" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-1"><strong>Karim Benzema’s double took the Real Madrid top of Group D as they held off a spirited Shakhtar Donetsk side in the Champions League.</strong></p>
<div data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2">
<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-2.0.0">Benzema tapped in the opener to record Real’s 1,000th goal in European football’s elite club competition.</span></p>
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<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-3.0">The France forward swept in a second following good work from Vinicius Junior and Casemiro after Fernando had deservedly levelled for Shakhtar.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-4.0">Inter Milan won 3-1 at Sheriff Tiraspol in Wednesday’s other Group D game.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5.0">Real boss Carlo Ancelotti will be thankful for Benzema’s clinical contribution in a contest that saw his side flatter to deceive against opposition they had thrashed in the </span><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5.$link-2.0">reverse fixture</span><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-5.3"> little over two weeks ago.</span></p>
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</ul>
<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-6.0">Luka Modric twice had good opportunities to put the hosts in front early on but they dropped off the pace after Benzema turned home the opener courtesy of a shocking mix-up between visiting goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin and defender Marlon.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-7.0">Alan Patrick, who had earlier hit the post for Roberto de Zerbi’s side, superbly chested the ball into Fernando’s path for the equaliser, with the Brazilian forward lashing his effort past home goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the roof of the net.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8"><span data-reactid=".yoncry283w.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-8.0">But Benzema’s second of the evening from a glorious move proved decisive for the hosts, who have now won four of their last five matches in all competitions.</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-double-seals-victory-for-real-against-shakhtar/">Benzema double seals victory for Real against Shakhtar</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<title>Benzema absent as sex tape blackmail trial begins</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-absent-as-sex-tape-blackmail-trial-begins/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:26:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[France team-mate]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Mathieu Valbuena]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid striker]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[sex tape blackmail trial]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Versailles]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=70071</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The trial of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for attempted blackmail linked to a sex tape featuring his former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena started in Versailles on Wednesday. Benzema was not present in court, with his lawyers citing his professional obligations. He played with Real in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk in Kiev the […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-absent-as-sex-tape-blackmail-trial-begins/">Benzema absent as sex tape blackmail trial begins</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The trial of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for attempted blackmail linked to a sex tape featuring his former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena started in Versailles on Wednesday.</strong></p>
<p>Benzema was not present in court, with his lawyers citing his professional obligations.</p>
<p>He played with Real in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk in Kiev the previous night, and faces a Spanish League Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday.</p>
<p>The 33-year-old Benzema is accused of being complicit in the attempt to blackmail Valbuena, who was threatened in a phone call in June 2015 with the publication of the video.</p>
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</ul>
<p>Benzema was allegedly involved in “aiding and abetting an extortion attempt.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros (88,000 dollars), according to prosecutors.</p>
<p>Four other men said to be involved in the affair are also charged at the trial expected to last until Friday.</p>
<p>Due to the involvement in the affair, Benzema missed the 2016 European Championship in France, their World Cup win in 2018 and only returned to the national team this summer.</p>
<p>The player’s defence has rejected the allegations and on Tuesday the L’Equipe sports daily again quoted his lawyers demanding he be cleared.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-absent-as-sex-tape-blackmail-trial-begins/">Benzema absent as sex tape blackmail trial begins</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<title>Benzema brilliance inspires Real, Fati lights up Barca</title>
<link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-brilliance-inspires-real-fati-lights-up-barca/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:44:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Soccer]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Karim Benzema]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=45546</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Karim Benzema scored twice for Real Madrid in a 3-2 win against Levante with Eden Hazard making his La Liga debut while later Barcelona breezed to a 5-2 win against Valencia on Saturday with more magic from 16-year-old Ansu Fati. Benzema’s goals came just six minutes apart in the first half at a wet Santiago […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-brilliance-inspires-real-fati-lights-up-barca/">Benzema brilliance inspires Real, Fati lights up Barca</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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<h3>Karim Benzema scored twice for Real Madrid in a 3-2 win against Levante with Eden Hazard making his La Liga debut while later Barcelona breezed to a 5-2 win against Valencia on Saturday with more magic from 16-year-old Ansu Fati.</h3>
<p>Benzema’s goals came just six minutes apart in the first half at a wet Santiago Bernabeu, before Casemiro put Real 3-0 up.</p>
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<p>However Levante, who had won their previous two outings, made a fight of it in the second half as they pulled goals back through Borja Mayoral and Gonzalo Melero.</p>
<p>“The second half was more difficult for us, but the overall feeling was positive,” said coach Zinedine Zidane, whose team had drawn their previous two games.</p>
<p>“We have got the three points and we were incredible in the first half, the way we played, the goals, the commitment. We just need to stay focused for the full 90 minutes.”</p>
<p>Hazard also came off the bench for the final half-hour to make his first La Liga appearance after a thigh injury had interrupted the start of his Real career following his 100 million-euro ($110 million) move from Chelsea.</p>
<p>The Belgian could now start when Real go to Paris Saint-Germain for their opening Champions League game on Wednesday.</p>
<p>“I am happy for him,” said Zidane. “He will do us good. He is not ready yet though — he has only trained four times with the team. But when everyone is fit, when we have our rhythm, we will hurt teams.”</p>
<p>Gareth Bale will also be available to face PSG after suspension kept him out here, but Sergio Ramos will be unable to play because of a European ban.</p>
<p>Zidane was also without the injured Luka Modric here. However, as well as Hazard, fellow summer signing Eder Militao came off the bench in the second half and the former Porto defender could start in Paris.</p>
<p>– Fati scores again –</p>
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<div class="w50 right ml1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="w100" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.afp.com/sites/default/files/nfs/diff-intra/english/shared/spo/92b8e6f896ac7be6ac45fc6e83a04b0e939d4ba0.jpg?w=696&ssl=1"></div>
<div class="w50 right ml1"><span class="copyright_under"><strong>Fati blasts the ball past Valencia keeper Jasper Cillessen</strong><br />
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<p>Real would have won by a greater margin here had it not been for some inspired goalkeeping from Aitor Fernandez, who produced a stunning one-handed stop to keep out a Benzema shot midway through the first half.</p>
<p>Atletico Madrid retained their place at the top of the table, but only by one point from Real Madrid after their first defeat of the season when they lost 2-0 at Real Sociedad at the Basque club’s newly refurbished stadium.</p>
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<p>Later, former Real Madrid assistant coach Albert Celades replaced sacked Marcelino Garcia Toral as boss of Valencia who were routed 5-2 at Barcelona.</p>
<p>With Lionel Messi still out and watching from the stands it was left to Fati, the teenager from Guinea-Bissau, to take the plaudits.</p>
<p>Fati, who became the third youngest La Liga scorer when he came off the bench to net in a 2-2 draw at Osasuna this month, scored again in the second minute, before providing the assist for Frenkie de Jong’s 7th minute goal.</p>
<p>The teenager earned his standing ovation from the Camp Nou crowd when he came off after an hour.</p>
<p>“It’s not usual that on his first touch he scores, and on his second he sets up a goal,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.</p>
<p>“To get used to being a Barca player is work for anyone, even more so for a boy so young, but he’s a balanced kid, he strikes me as being at ease.”</p>
<p>Kevin Gameiro got Valencia off the mark but a brace from the fit again Luis Suarez after a contribution from Gerard Pique meant Max Gomez’s injury time second for the visitors was purely academic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>AFP</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/benzema-brilliance-inspires-real-fati-lights-up-barca/">Benzema brilliance inspires Real, Fati lights up Barca</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p>
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