Benzema grabs treble as Real win seven-goal thriller

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema netted a hat-trick as they capped their return to the refurbished Santiago Bernabeu stadium with a thrilling 5-2 comeback win over Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Sunday. The Frenchman was unplayable at times as Madrid were reunited with their fans for the first time since March 1, 2020. They played the whole of last season at reserve team Castilla’s Alfredo Di Stefano ground at their training complex. “It’s a special night for us with the fans here and the atmosphere. It was a little strange to be playing in front of fans again, but they got right behind us. We need their support and they gave us everything today,” said Benzema. PHOTO: REUTERS