Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Karim Benzema will star for the Spanish and European champions in the second half of the season.
The 35-year-old hit a late brace in his side's 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Friday, making the breakthrough from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute before adding a second in the 89th minute.
The Frenchman struggled to show his best form in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign, and he was sent home from the World Cup after picking up a thigh issue.
Benzema failed to register in four appearances in the group stage of the Champions League, but his double against Real Valladolid has made it seven goals in eight league appearances this term.
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Ancelotti has said that his star forward is "very motivated and confident", and the Italian is certain that "a different Benzema" will be present in the second half of the season.
"I think this will do him good. I already thought he was doing well following his recovery and I knew he could play a decisive role in this game. And he did," said Ancelotti after Friday's win.
"I think he's very motivated and confident. We'll see a different Benzema in the second half of the season compared to the first half of the season."
Ancelotti admitted that his side did not defend well against Real Valladolid, but the Italian was delighted with the performances of both Benzema and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made some important saves.
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"It was a difficult match against an opponent that grew into the game. We had good control at the start of the first half, but Real Valladolid played well and competed," Ancelotti told reporters.
"I don't think we defended well and I don't think we were compact, but we managed to secure the three points. It was a great game by Courtois and by Benzema, so we end the year on a high."
Much has been made of Eden Hazard's lack of action this season, and the Belgian was again an unused substitute against Real Valladolid, but the Real Madrid head coach has confirmed that the attacker will be involved in Tuesday's Copa del Rey clash with Cacereno.
"Hazard will play the next match," said the 63-year-old after he was asked about the forward.
Real Madrid will continue their La Liga campaign against Villarreal on January 7 before facing Valencia in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup on January 10.
Matt Law
