Benzema Scores Real Madrid’s 1,000th Elite European Football Goal

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

*Liverpool beat Atletico to cruise into Last 16

Karim Benzema’s double in the 2-1 defeat of spirited Shakhtar Donetsk took Real Madrid to top of Group D of the UEFA Champions League last night.

Benzema tapped in the opener to record Real’s 1,000th goal in European football’s elite club competition.

And the France forward then swept in following good work from Vinicius Junior and Casemiro after Fernando had deservedly levelled for Shakhtar.

In the group’s other game of the night, Moldovan debutant side, Sheriff Tiraspol were handed a 1-3 defeat by Inter Milan. The Italian champions are now second in the Group D standing on seven points, two less than leaders Madrid.

However, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti will be thankful for Benzema’s clinical contribution in a contest where his side flattered to deceive against opposition they had thrashed in the reverse fixtureless than a month ago.

Luka Modric twice had good opportunities to put the hosts in front early on but they dropped off the pace after Benzema turned home the opener courtesy of some calamitous play from visiting goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin and defender Marlon.

Elsewhere, Liverpool swept into the last 16 of the Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Atletico Madrid that ensured they will finish top of Group B.

Early goals by Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, both created by Trent Alexander-Arnold, put the Reds in full command and there was no way back for the Spanish side once Felipe was sent off before half-time.

At Etihad Stadium, Raheem Sterling ended his 12-game goal drought to wrap up an easy Champions League 4-1 win for Manchester City over Club Bruges.

Sterling converted Ilkay Gundogan’s cutback to score for only the second time this season and claim his first Champions League goal in more than a year.

The Cityzens now require a single point from their remaining two group games to seal a spot in the last 16 for the ninth successive season.

RESULTS

Man City 4-1 Brugge

Leipzig 2-2 PSG

AC Milan 1-1 Porto

Liverpool 2-0 Atletico

Dortmund 1-3 Ajax

Sporting 4-0 Besiktas

R’Madrid 2-1 Shakhtar

FC Sheriff 1-3 Inter