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Unfazed Real relies on Benzema
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Karim Benzema and the teams that employ him appear unfazed by his guilty verdict for having played a part in the sex-tape blackmail plot against a former France teammate.
Hours after the conviction by a Versailles court on Wednesday, Benzema helped Real Madrid clinch a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase for a 25th consecutive season by scoring in a 3-0 win at Sheriff in Moldova.
Benzema should be back in action again on Sunday, when Real hosts Sevilla in a clash of two of the hottest teams in the Spanish league.
Benzema, who denied any wrongdoing, was found guilty of being involved in an attempt to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena in 2015 over a sex tape thought to have been stolen from Valbuena鈥檚 mobile phone. But Benzema鈥檚 one-year sentence was suspended, meaning he won鈥檛 do prison time.
His reputation has undoubtedly been tarnished by the guilty verdict, but his playing career for club and country appears to be unaffected 鈥 for the time being.
Benzema did not speak following Real鈥檚 win in Tiraspol, and coach Carlo Ancelotti said even he had not brought up the case with his striker.
鈥淲e haven鈥檛 spoken, but he鈥檚 relaxed,鈥 Ancelotti said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something that was spoken about some time ago. The player is totally focused on his job. He seems calm and he played really well today.鈥
At age 33, Benzema is essential to Real.
Once criticized in the Spanish capital for not making the most of his talent, he has emerged from Cristiano Ronaldo鈥檚 shadow to become one of Europe鈥檚 most reliable scorers. His goal against Sheriff was his 15th for Real this season, including a Spanish league-leading 12. That comes after he found the net 30 times last season.
France coach Didier Deschamps took notice in May when he recalled Benzema in time for the European Championship after having ostracized him for nearly six years because of the sex-tape case.
In explaining the recall, Deschamps said, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 have the capacity and no one does, not even Karim, of going back and changing the past. The most important thing is today and the future.鈥
The head of the French Football Federation said after the verdict that Benzema will remain eligible for the national team.
鈥淎s far as the federation is concerned, there is no change,鈥 federation president Noel Le Graet told L鈥橢quipe.
鈥淭his sanction does not change anything for me. He can be selected. He has the right to work. You can make a mistake, get a suspended sentence and go back to work.鈥
Nations League
Benzema has not disappointed since returning to France鈥檚 team. He scored four goals in four matches at the Euros. He helped France win the Nations League last month, scoring in both the semifinal against Belgium and the final against Spain, and seal its place in next year鈥檚 World Cup.
Benzema will be among the favorites to win the Ballon d鈥橭r on November 29 in Paris. The night before the gala, Benzema will lead Real against Sevilla.
Real leads the league, with Sevilla only two points back in third place.
Sevilla kept alive its chances of joining Real in the UCL round of 16 when it beat VfL Wolfsburg 2-0 on Tuesday.
Sevilla has boosted its attack this season. Newcomers Rafa Mir and Erik Lamela have combined for nine goals to lead the deep squad coached by former Real manager Julen Lopetegui.
Real defender David Alaba is doubtful for the match after being substituted against Sheriff following his opening goal because of a knee problem.
Second-placed Real Sociedad will be hoping for a Real stumble as it visits Espanyol on Sunday trailing by just a point.
Like Sevilla, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are also in danger of not advancing past the UCL group stage with only one game remaining.
Atletico is facing a possible early exit after losing at home to AC Milan 0-1. Diego Simeone鈥檚 team will look to rebound at Cadiz on Sunday. The defending league champion is in fourth place, four points back.
Xavi Hernandez will coach his third game for Barcelona when it visits Villarreal on Sunday. His debut was a 1-0 win over Espanyol last weekend followed by a 0-0 draw with Benfica in the UCL at Camp Nou midweek.
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