The striker’s penalty miss against Osasuna saw the reigning LaLiga champions drop points for the first time this season.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to criticize Karim Benzema after the 1-1 draw against a 10-man Osasuna on Sunday.
The captain returned to the line-up following a three-week injury lay-off period. He had four shots, all of which were off target, and missed a decisive penalty kick late in the game. It brought an end to a six-match winning start in LaLiga for Ancelotti’s side, forcing them to fall behind Barcelona in the league table on goal difference.
Benzema has now missed three penalties against Osasuna in the league this year.
3 – Real Madrid's Karim Benzema has failed three penalty shots against Osasuna in LaLiga, all in 2022 year, more than against any other opponent in the competition. Mistake. pic.twitter.com/lgyFysAIqM
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 2, 2022
“Karim usually scores,” Ancelotti told DAZN on the Frenchman’s penalty miss.
“The match wasn’t spectacular, but after the goal we conceded, the team played as it had to play.
“Karim had no problems starting to play 90 minutes. He has to get in the best shape by playing. It’s a footballing accident that can sometimes happen. We’ve been quite solid at the back, we had a good balance, we hardly conceded any counter-attacks.”
Vinicius Junior had put Real Madrid ahead in the opening half, but Kike Garcia equalized for Osasuna just five minutes into the second half.
The record 35-time Spanish champions return to action on Wednesday for a Champions League home match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
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