Karim Benzema backed for Ballon d’Or by Carlo Ancelotti after hat-trick for Real Madrid against Barcelona

Karim Benzema has got the backing of his manager Carlo Ancelotti for the Ballon d’Or after he netted a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Madrid were 1-0 down going into the second leg at the Nou Camp but the home crowd were silenced just before half-time when Benzema cut the ball back for Vinicius Junior. Ad In the second half, Benzema put Real ahead on aggregate with a lovely finish from a Luka Modric pass and scored twice more to send Ancelotti’s side through to the Copa del Rey final.

Copa del ReyBenzema hits hat-trick to sink Barca and send Real into Copa del Rey final16 HOURS AGO Benzema won the Ballon d’Or for the first time last year after leading Real to the league and Champions League double. “Benzema is back,” said Ancelotti after the game. “He’s back.

Another Ballon D’Or for Karim? Why not?” Real are 12 points behind Barca in La Liga, but will go into the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna as heavy favourites. Ancelotti suggested his side were stronger in all areas on Wednesday night and the scoreline was a fair reflection. “We played a great game, and it was a deserved result,” he said.

“We did very well in the second half, in a very difficult game. When we had the opportunity, we created danger in transitions." “We delivered on everything, both offensively and defensively. Vinicius has complied, he scored and Benzema has also returned.