Benzema lifts the lid on exquisite Nations League final goal

The Real Madrid striker scored a stunning equalizer in France’s UEFA Nations League final victory over Spain to win his first international trophy.

Karim Benzema has revealed his goal against Spain was no fluke, as he often practices it in training and had ‘scored a few during the warm-up’.

Three years after missing France’s World Cup triumph in Russia, Benzema won his first major international title on Sunday by helping Les Bleus defeat Spain 2-1 in the Nations League final.

Despite wasting a debatable first-half chance, the striker got it right when it mattered most in the second half. He curled in an exquisite effort into the top corner in Milan. His wonder strike put France back on level terms, barely two minutes after Mikel Oyarzabal had put Spain ahead.

I’ve rewatched THAT Benzema goal about 99 times now and it gets better every time. pic.twitter.com/cbQzjrmlKu

— Feri (@GalacticosRtg) October 10, 2021

“[My goal] is a play that I often practice in training, but usually close to the post,” said Benzema about his goal on L’Equipe. “I scored a few during the warm-up already. I always try to get it on target, but for those goals, you always need a bit of success.”

Kylian Mbappe scored a contentious winner in the final 10 minutes to ensure France become the second team to win the Nations League after Portugal’s success in 2019.

Benzema continued: “I’m very proud. I’m really happy for the whole team. Most of all, we put in two great performances of a very high level.”

“I’ve been very happy with my work for a long time. To come back into this team and to win makes me happy, yes. This title gives me even more ambition for the future with this team. Because this team has great potential.”

Ce trophée c’est le nôtre et vôtre, merci à tous pour votre soutien.. 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡 🏆🔥🤍 #Nueve #Alhamdulilah #EDF #Vamonos pic.twitter.com/cJbDwS6KH3

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) October 10, 2021