Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win in the second half of their Champions League tie against Celtic, without needing their talismanic striker Karim Benzema.
Since, the Frenchman has been ruled out for what is likely to be out for around two weeks. Naturally that was a key topic during Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference, who will now have plan for at least their next two matches against Real Mallorca and RB Leipzig without him.
Ancelotti confirmed first that Eden Hazard would be coming in for Benzema as he did in midweek.
“Hazard did well against Celtic. Tomorrow I will play him. Let’s hope he can have a great game.”
He also confirmed there would be no change of system, after being asked if they might move to a 4-4-2 without Benzema.
The Belgian has been touted by Ancelotti to replace Benzema in case of absence since the preseason, playing in a new role up front. The Italian is right to praise him for his performance against Celtic though. Involved in all three goals, including a goal and an assist, he showed signs of life as an offensive weapon for Ancelotti.
