Karim Benzema nets hat trick in Real Madrid scoring barrage

It was his first four-goal haul in the Champions League, with the overall record of five held by Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Luiz Adriano, who achieved the feat with Shakhtar Donetsk but now plays for AC Milan. “This is football, things change week after week”.

Benitez witnessed Madrid produce a devastating attacking display in their final Champions League group stage match, setting a club record for the biggest margin of victory in the competition.

“Goals are great for your confidence and for me and the team as well”.

Ronaldo’s first goal improved his surprisingly poor record at free-kicks.

It was three in the 39th minute when Ronaldo fired a free-kick from 25 yards into the bottom corner before the Portugal worldwide went on a gaol rampage in the second half.

And Benitez said: “I’ve always said I’m not defensive and this is a demonstration of that”.

Benzema opened the scoring from close range off the rebound of a shot by Isco.

Benzema will learn on Thursday if he is to be suspended from the French national team due to his alleged involvement in a blackmail scandal involving a sex tape of global teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

The host was soon celebrating again as another excellent ball in from Ronaldo provided Benzema with the simple task of nodding in at the far post for his second.

The 16-year-old midfielder was reportedly in contention to play in the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Real Madrid coach Benitez has revealed that the youngster doesn’t feature in his plans for tonight. United dropped to third place in the group when PSV Eindhoven came from behind to beat CSKA Moscow 2-1 and join Wolfsburg in the round of 16.

Malmo came into the match with a chance to secure a place in the Europa League but finished last in the group.

Atletico Madrid finished top of the group with 13 points from six games after a 2-1 win at second-placed Benfica (10).

“We knew that it would be very hard against Real Madrid here, considering the quality they have”, Malmo coach Age Hareide said.