Solari: I'm sorry for the people who only discovered Benzema last week Real Madrid Another impressive performance from the No.9

Karim Benzema shone once again for Real Madrid as they won away to Girona to seal their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Not always appreciated for his work, Benzema comes in for criticism but Santiago Solari says he feels sympathy for anyone who is only now realising the Frenchman's brilliance.

"I'm sorry for the people who had missed Benzema for all this time," Solari said at his press conference afterwards.

"There is still time to discover him, for those who first saw him last week."

Real Madrid have suffered this season, and Solari believes they never quite went away, despite their struggles.

"Madrid are always there," he said.

"They're always waiting for you.

"There's a competitive spirit carried by the team, it's a team of warriors and winners with the challenge of continuing that."

Alaves are up next for Los Blancos and Solari's attention has already turned to the weekend.

"There is daily competition," he added.

"What we did today and what we will do tomorrow will have to be shown against Alaves."