'I have to go for Lewandowski' - Thomas Muller picks ex-teammate ahead of Ballon d'Or favourite Karim Benzema

13.09.2022 - 18:29 eurosport.com

Thomas Muller has said that he would still pick Robert Lewandowski ahead of Ballon d'Or favourite Karim Benzema despite the Polish striker's summer move to Barcelona.

Muller and Bayern Munich are preparing for a Champions League meeting with Lewandowski and his new club. Ad The pair spent eight seasons alongside one another in the Bayern forward line, with the Polish striker scoring more than 40 times in each of the last seven campaigns.

Champions LeagueLewandowski's return: Will he get booed? Can Bayern contain him?YESTERDAY AT 14:33 Comparing the two strikers ahead of Barcelona's visit to Munich, Muller was full of praise for Benzema's efforts last season.

But the German still feels that he is obliged to pick long-time team-mate Lewandowski ahead of the French striker. «I have to go for Lewandowski,» Muller , before suggesting that he understands why two top European goalscorers are compared. «But I know what you mean.

Barcelona Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Robert Lewandowski Carlo Ancelotti Thomas Müller France Germany Poland

Karim Benzema missed a penalty for Real Madrid as they finally blinked in the La Liga title race, dropping their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw with Osasuna on Sunday. Elsewhere Real Sociedad won 5-3 at Girona and high-flying Real Betis fell to a 1-0 defeat at Celta Vigo. After Barcelona beat Real Mallorca on Saturday, Madrid knew they had to win to stay top but were frustrated by Jagoba Arrasate's well-organised side at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema misses late penalty as Real Madrid held by Osasuna

Karim Benzema missed a late penalty as Real Madrid dropped their first points this season after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Osasuna, who had a man sent off late on, in La Liga on Sunday. Vinicius Jr gave the champions the lead just before halftime with a long-range shot but the visitors equalised after the break through Kike Garcia, who scored with a brilliant header from the edge of the area that looped over the goalkeeper. Benzema fired his penalty off the bar and over in the 79th minute, after being fouled inside the area by defender Unai Garcia, who was shown a straight red card after a VAR check. The France striker had a goal chalked off a minute later for offside and Vinicius had a bullet shot kept out by Sergio Herrera a little later, as Real Madrid pressed for the win. Osasuna, however, held on to take a point to the frustration of the home fans.

'Nobody doubts Karim Benzema will win the Ballon d'Or' says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says «nobody doubts» that Karim Benzema will win the Ballon d'Or. Benzema is one of the favourites for the reputed individual crown following his remarkable exploits in 2021/22 that saw him score 44 goals in 46 appearances, and that helped Los Blancos win both La Liga and the Champions League. Ad The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on October 17 in Paris, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah also expected to be in the running to take the award off current holder Lionel Messi.