Real Madrid beat Sevilla; Benzema brings Ballon d'Or to Santiago Bernabeu

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Real Madrid beat Sevilla 3-1 in a Spanish La Liga match Saturday as French star Karim Benzema brought his Ballon d'Or trophy to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to celebrate with fans.

Benzema did not play in the match as Real Madrid confirmed he was diagnosed with "muscular fatigue in the quadricep muscle of his left leg."

The Frenchman won the 2022 men’s version of the coveted award Monday after completing a scintillating 2021-22 season for Real Madrid.

He scored 44 goals in 46 games as the Whites clinched the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League trophies. He also won the UEFA Super Cup in August.

Before the Sevilla match, Benzema lifted his trophy as the best player in the world into the air to cheering fans.

In addition, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois showcased his 2022 Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper before kick-off.

During the match, Real Madrid took the lead with an early goal in the fifth minute from Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. He was unmarked on the far post, received a pass and made an easy finish.

Sevilla leveled in the 53rd minute as Argentine winger Erik Lamela scored on a one-on-one.

Spanish winger Lucas Vazquez scored on an easy chance with an assist from Vinicius Junior in minute 79.

To finish the scoring, midfielder Federico Valverde, who has been playing well recently, fired an eye-catching, long-range shot to beat goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Unbeaten Real Madrid have 31 points to lead the Spanish league.

Sevilla have 10 points and is in the 14th spot.

Second-place Barcelona, who have 25 points, will face Athletic Bilbao in a Sunday match at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium.