Karim Benzema penned another page of history in the Real Madrid goal-scoring books last night with his double against Espanyol. The French striker has now bagged 207 goals in a Real Madrid shirt and ties with the sixth highest scorer in club history Mexican marksman Hugo Sánchez. The players ahead of the pair in the overall ranking are: Puskas (242 goals), Santillana (290), Di Stéfano (307), Raúl (323) and Cristiano (450).

Full screen BENZEMA RODOLFO MOLINA (DIARIO AS)

Benzema delivered one of his finest displays in the Madrid shirt last night in the Catalan capital. Not only was he on target twice but was also the creative heartbeat for Solari's side completing 54 passes, his highest personal passing statistic since arriving in Spain. His team-mates were quick to heap praise on the striker's performance with Lucas Vazquez starting: "Benzema is the best No. 9 in the world". The Lyon born player has now found the target 15 times this season in all competition and has just bagged two goals less than Cristiano with his Juventus side (17). Madrid coach Santi Solari also had positive words about Benzema adding: “Karim is hugely generous as he's playing for us with a great deal of pain...”.

Full screen Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo ANDREAS SOLARO (AFP)

Trending

Real Madrid finally seem to have found their rhythm this season with Vinicius and recent performances from Benzema generating degrees of optimism among the Santiago Bernabeu faithful in what has been an indifferent season to date. #Benzema was trending topic last night in Spain generating four times more interaction on Twittter than the social media boom Big Brother Duo. Benzema's timing is perfect with the Madrid derby and the Champions League tie against Ajax looming in February.