Karim Benzema emerges as unlikely hero for Real Madrid on a night when Robert Lewandowski disappeared

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  • Karim Benzema gets the acclaim of his Real Madrid team-mates.

    For one glorious night, Karim Benzema could revel in the applause.

    The regular cacophony of questioning murmurs and outright boos turned to rapturous cheers, twice over, at Santiago Bernabeu as the maligned striker secured unconvincing Real Madrid’s fourth Champions League final appearance in five years.

    Gratitude rather than opprobrium cascaded from the stands when taken off after 71 decisive minutes.

    The fall guy from their domestic malaise had turned into the unlikely golden boy versus Bayern Munich.

    Stupendous movement befuddled defenders Mats Hummels and David Alaba for his headed first at the back post. A welcome stroke of luck from a campaign of torment then was provided by stand-in goalkeeper Sven Ulreich’s preposterous decision to flop under midfielder Corentin Tolisso’s sloppy back pass and leave the agog Frenchman with an open goal.

    Even better, his opportunistic brace came on a night when the listless Robert Lewandowski at the other end failed his audition to lead the line for Los Blancos from 2018/19 – and beyond.

    Benzema needed this. In a week that threatens controversy about a guard of honour for fresh La Liga winners Barcelona, Madrid needed this.

    Of course, neither player or the club were convincing. Either in this 2-2 draw, or throughout the 4-3 aggregate win.

    Bayern more than doubled (22) the hosts’ shots tally (nine) on Tuesday, while possession was skewed 60 per cent to 40 per cent in the visitors’ favour. Yet like many others slain on Madrid’s run to a third-successive Champions League crown, they were, somehow, still left beaten and confused.

    Zinedine Zidane’s team represent the ascent of the individual like few other sides in the history of football.

    Cristiano Ronaldo usually claims the spotlight all for himself. This time, it was the sole preserve of a denigrated team-mate.

    Rarely since his mesmerising dribble broke the hearts of Atletico Madrid supporters, and the ankles of their defenders, at this stage of last season’s competition has Benzema exerted such a positive influence.

    His presence since has enervated rather than inspired.

    The statistics for 2017/18 make grim reading. Only five goals have been scored in 28 matches during a shoddy La Liga title defence.

    His brace against Bayern doubled the tally recorded from his previous 10 European matches.

    Something special was required. Benzema, for once, duly delivered.

    His two shots produced two goals. Rare efficiency for a striker who last passed 30 goals in a season wearing royal white during 2011/12’s charge to the La Liga title.

    A total of 51 touches also produced four successful take-ons and two chances created for colleagues whose faith has never wavered in the face of widespread vitriol directed at him.

    Nights like these are why Benzema has endured since July 2009, making more appearances than the revered Ferenc Puskas, Hugo Sanchez and Ronaldo (the original from Brazil).

    He brings out the best in Ronaldo and possesses the faith of Zidane. Simple statements, yet achievements that few could attain.

    Whether this match acts as a cherished swansong can only be known in the summer.

    A major candidate to usurp him certainly did not garner credit during either tie.

    Lewandowski fluffed major moments in both games. An erroneous chip went wide in the closing stages of the first leg, while Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas’ feet foiled him during the opening stanza in Madrid.

    At the Bernabeu, three players had more attempts than the Poland superstar’s trio – including Germany centre-back Hummels.

    His 42 touches was the least of any outfield player in the Bayern starting XI and only two more than the slapstick Ulreich. Even that should have been halved to one if the goalkeeper hadn’t produced one of the Champions League’s great – and gravest – individual errors to gift wrap the second moments after the interval.

    Doubts have been sewn too long in the mind of Benzema’s detractors to be exorcised during one hallowed night.

    Yet after this, no one could deny him the acclaim.

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