Real Madrid 3(3)- 1(2) PSG: 5 talking points as Karim Benzema's hat-trick sinks the Parisians | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

Real Madrid move into the last eight.
Real Madrid move into the last eight.

#3 Carlo Ancelotti was spot on with his substitutions

Carlo Ancelotti made the right moves.
Carlo Ancelotti made the right moves.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti got his substitutions bang on. Replacing Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio for Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo in the 57th minute completely changed the dynamics of the game.

Asensio struggled to get hold of the ball and Rodrygo's inclusion allowed Real Madrid to glide on the right wing.

Meanwhile, Camavinga induced new energy into the hosts as his relentless pressing and quick movement gave PSG no chance in the centre of the park.

Ancelotti's decision to bring in Lucas Vazquez for Dani Carvajal in the 66th minute was brilliant as well. Carvajal was clearly struggling against the pace of Mbappe, and Vazquez, with his fresh legs, was just able to keep the Frenchman in check.


#2 Real Madrid oozed class

Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring a goal.
Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring a goal.

Real Madrid once again displayed why they are the most successful club in the history of the Champions League.

The Spanish giants showed immense character despite going down 2-0 on aggregate, never losing hope.

PSG's implosion, on the other hand, was a case in point of why mentality is one of the most important virtues of the game.

The Parisians had everything going for them and still could not hold on to their 2-0 aggregate lead as Real Madrid's experience and hunger got the better of them.


#1 Karim Benzema is the man of the hour

Karim Benzema with a special performance.
Karim Benzema with a special performance.

Karim Benzema's hat-trick completely turned the tide of the game. The Frenchman opened the scoring for the hosts as he pressurized Donnarumma into giving the ball away to Vinicius. The Brazilian, in turn, set up the 34-year-old for a simple tap-in from six yards out just after the hour mark.

Benzema combined brilliantly with Modric to put one past the Italian goalkeeper for his second soon after. The France international then latched on to Marquinhos' mistimed clearance before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to complete Real Madrid's turnaround in the 78th minute.

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