Benzema: “The Champions League means a lot to us”

Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema talked to UEFA.com and discussed the upcoming clash against Manchester City in the Champions League’s Round of 16, which kick-off this Wednesday with the first leg played at the Santiago Bernabeu —21:00 CET—.

“City are a great team with an excellent coach. They are a skilled team and they are not afraid of passing the ball. It will be an even match, although our plan is to go after the win. We obviously prepare for what our opponents can do, but we’re mainly focused on our own game,” said Benzema.

Champions League football is back for Real Madrid and the French attacker admitted that this competition is special for the club.

“The Champions League means a lot to us, there’s something different around it, our emotions are different. It’s not that you don’t give your best in other competitions, but there’s something else in this one, although I don’t know what. Everything around it is unbelievable and we also get more pressure,” explained Benzema.

Real’s number 9 has been one of the leaders of the team after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema has shown great leadership skills and has improved his numbers as a scorer in the last two seasons.

“I always work very hard. I feel well physically, in good condition. I use to go to the gym and I enjoy myself on the pitch a lot. I’ve scored goals and delivered assists in the last few years, I like to help my team win,” he said.

Benzema concluded the interview saying that Madrid will go after the Champions League-Liga double.

“The goal in Real Madrid is to try to win it all. Not even try, you have to win it all. You need to be lucky and be in good condition at the right time. We want to achieve something good both in the Champions League and in La Liga,” explained the striker.