Karim Benzema scored a remarkable seven-minute hat-trick, including a sensational bicycle kick, for Real Madrid against Real Valladolid all the while fasting for Ramadan.
Madrid hosted Valladolid for their La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday and Rodrygo fired Carlo Ancelotti’s men into the lead in the 22nd minute.
Benzema then delivered a show-stealing first-half performance after Vinicius Junior curled in a superb cross towards the back post and the Madrid captain fired in a header.
Only three minutes after Madrid’s second, Vinicius Jr linked up with Benzema again and found the Frenchman on the edge of the Valladolid box.
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Benzema then curled in a stunning effort to beat Sergio Asenjo and planted the ball into the corner of the Valladolid net.
The 35-year-old striker then completed his stunning hat-trick in the 36th minute after Rodrygo crossed in from the right and the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner connected with a bicycle kick from six yards out.
Fans flocked to social media and were quick to praise Benzema for his sensational impact, as well as highlighting that his hat-trick was done while he fasted for Ramadan.
“Benzema, while fasting, did the impossible,” one fan said.
Another Twitter user wrote: “Karim Benzema with a seven-minute hat-trick! While fasting as well, fair play!”
“This is not fair, man, [I’m] fasting, but he’s [Benzema] feasting,” a third added.
While a fourth posted: “Karim Benzema is fasting but it looks like he’s feasting.”
Someone else tweeted: “Ramadan Benzema is a whole different breed. I guess after all fasting does have an impact on athletes -- it makes them better.”
And a sixth commented: “Fasting Benzema mode activated.”
Benzema, who was born in France but is of Algerian descent, is a practicing Muslim and has openly spoken about the impact of his religion in his life.
Speaking to Vogue magazine in 2019, he said: “My faith helps me to be focused every day.
“It brings me benefits and it’s my strength for me, my family, as well as for my work -- for literally everything.”
Madrid, who are 12 points behind fierce rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race, lead Valladolid 4-0 going into half-time.
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Topics: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, La Liga, Spain, Football
Adnan Riaz