Real Madrid identify Karim Benzema’s backup

Spanish giants Real Madrid are considering La Liga club Espanyol’s Joselu as a backup striker for Karim Benzema.

According to Relevo, the ex-Real Madrid and Castilla player could prove to be a low-cost signing for the Los Blancos.

The 33-year-old Joselu has scored 147 goals and notched up 39 assists in 467 club appearances over the course of his career.

It must be noted that Benzema’s current contract expires in June 2023, however he is likely to stay at the club for one more year. The 35-year-old has played a key role in Real Madrid’s victories and has helped them win many trophies since joining the club in 2009.

City thrash Madrid

Manchester City´s time to conquer Europe may have finally come after Real Madrid were slayed by the English champions to reach their second Champions League final.

City thrashed the Spanish giants 4-0 at the Etihad for a 5-1 aggregate victory that exacted revenge for a dramatic semi-final exit to Madrid 12 months ago.

Pep Guardiola´s men are not just closing in on the trophy the club´s owners have desired since an Abu-Dhabi backed takeover in 2008 began pouring billions of pounds of investment into the club.

Victory against Inter Milan in Istanbul next month could complete a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, matching local rivals Manchester United´s historic achievement in 1998/99.

Carlo Ancelotti´s men produced a series of thrilling escape acts to win the competition for the 14th time last season.

This time City made sure to twist the knife when they had the defending champions on the floor.

"It was so painful last season," added Guardiola. "We had what happened in our stomach for one year. I think today everything came out."

The collective brilliance of Guardiola´s side shone through on a night when stars Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were kept scoreless.

Only a hat-trick of stunning saves by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to deny Haaland his 53rd goal of the season saved the visitors from a historic humbling.

Bernardo Silva´s first-half double was the least City deserved from a near flawless first-half.

Even when they took their foot off the gas after the break, Manuel Akanji´s deflected goal and Julian Alvarez´s cool finish in stoppage time gave the scoreline a fair reflection.

— Additional input from AFP 

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