Real Madrid ‘reliant on Karim Benzema and happy about it’ says Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Chelsea tie

Carlo Ancelotti is not squeamish about relying on Karim Benzema to provide the goals for Real Madrid.

Few could blame the Italian coach who, ahead of facing Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, lauded his star striker.

Benzema hit a stunning hat-trick in the first leg at Stamford Bridge to put Real in the driving seat for a semi-final berth - leaving his personal tally at 37 goals and 13 assists in 37 games ahead of the return game.

“We are dependent on Benzema, it is like that and we are not going to deny it,” said Ancelotti ahead of Tuesday’s game.

“And I am very happy that we are dependent on Karim. That is the reality and it is a good thing.”

Ancelotti was asked on Monday about the possibility of pairing Benzema with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland next season, amid reports of Real’s interest in the Norwegian.

“What a question!” he remarked. “I can't answer.

“I'm just saying that Karim is a modern centre-forward and does what is required of strikers - everything, including defensive work. He is the perfect representation of what a centre-forward should be in football.”

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