Topics: Football, Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
Karim Benzema had been fasting all day for Ramadan prior to scoring a sensational hat-trick for Real Madrid against Chelsea.
Benzema, 34, is currently observing Ramadan as part of his Muslim faith.
Despite not eating or drinking all day, the French forward feasted on Chelsea's defence as he ran riot in the Champions League.
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Benzema broke his fast 13 MINUTES before kick-off, then went onto produce an all-time classic performance as he bagged a brilliant hat-trick in his side's 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
In a recent interview with Esquire, Benzema revealed that taking part in Ramadan has no impact on his game.
He said: "No impact, Ramadan is part of my life and my religion makes Ramadan an obligation."
"For me, it’s very important and I feel good when I’m fasting."
When asked what he's grateful for in life, he replied: "I am grateful for being in good health."
Benzema has now scored back-to-back Champions League hat-tricks, having destroyed Paris Saint-Germain in the last round.
He bagged two stunning headers in the first half before completing his hat-trick a minute into the second half after pouncing on an Edouard Mendy mistake.
Speaking after the game, Benzema said: "These are the magical Champions League nights we live for.
"We came here to show who we are. We came to London to prove who Real Madrid is."
On his star man's performance, Carlo Ancelotti added: "How to describe Benzema? I’ve no words (laughs). I’d say the Big Karim."
The Spanish giants take a two-goal lead into the second-leg which goes down next Tuesday.
