Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema scored his first pre-season this summer during the friendly clash with Mexican side Club America. The 2022 FIFA Ballond'orfavourite scored one of the goals for his team in a 2-2 draw with Club America.It was the first game of pre-season for Benzema.
Frenchman Benzema was absent for the first pre-seasongame of the summer for Real Madrid. He was a major absentee as Real Madrid were beaten 1-0 by arch rivals Barcelonawhen the two teams at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada in the United States (US).
New Barcelona signing Raphinha scored the only goal of the game. Brazil international Raphinha pounced on themistake from compatriot Eder Militao in the Real Madrid defence to produce a stunning finish on 26 minutes. His goal gave Barcelona a first half lead and the Catalan giants were able to keep the advantage until for the remainder of the game.
The Barcelona game was the first pre-season game for Real Madrid, while the second preseason game for the club was against Club America in continuation of their US tour. Mexican outfit Club America took the lead through a fifth minute strike from Henri Martin, a Mexican international. Real Madrid scored their equaliserthrough talisman and skipper Benzema. The French international is the favouriteBallond'orrecipient this year after a phenomenal season last term as he played a big part in his team winning the Spanish La Ligaand Champions League titles.Benzema is the favouritefor this year's Ballond'orahead of the likes of Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior, Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker KylianMbappe and Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich).
Benzema is expected to feature when Real Madrid take on Italian team Juventus in the final preseason friendly game for the European champions this summer.
