WATCH: Karim Benzema Hammers Two Goals as Real Madrid Open Season With a Win

Karim Benzema and Real Madrid finally began their La Liga campaign as they faced off against Deportivo Alaves. After a season where the Los Merengues were marred with injuries, Real have made some pretty bold changes.

Revamping their back line by letting go off Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, the team are headed towards a new direction. While they have made some huge changes defensively, they haven’t made any big additions in the offense, meaning French man Karim Benzema is still the most pivotal attacking talent in the team.

Ahead of the matchup against Deportivo Alaves, the 33-year-old’s selection in the lineup was pretty doubtful. With the Frenchman returning from COVID-19 and taking part in a handful of training sessions, it looked likely that Benzema might miss the game.

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Karim Benzema shines in Real Madrid’s season opener

Ancelotti certainly did not want to take any chances in the very first game of the season. Naming a veteran front three of Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale along with Benzema, the Italian boss made his intentions pretty clear.

The risk certainly paid off. With Hazard linking up perfectly with the Frenchman, Benzema scored a brilliant volley off of a fabulous Hazard flick for the first goal of the game. After Nacho nudged off a perfect Modric cross for the second goal, the 33-year-old doubled his tally with a scrappy finish.

Led by Benzema’s brace, the record La Liga champions cruised to a 4-1 victory against Alaves. This was a perfect start for a Real side who have sold some of their key players. If players like Eden Hazard can continue to improve alongside their proven veterans like Benzema, Real can surely be a massive challenger for defending champions Atletico Madrid.

Ancelotti certainly showed the brand of football he is planning to play this season. With a team focused on attacking based possession, Real might be one of the most expansive teams in the Spanish league this season.

Benzema will certainly be key and if he can maintain his fabulous scoring form, expect yet another 20+ goals campaign for him. New signing David Alaba can also be crucial in the same.

The Austrian certainly impressed as a left back in his debut with timely recoveries and even pinpoint crosses. Madrid might not be a team full of Galacticos anymore but they are still a formidable unit. Where do you think the Spanish giants will finish in the La Liga this season?