Benzema takes his chance with hat-trick as Madrid defeat Auxerre
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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema took the chance to prove he can be the club's center forward with a hat-trick as his side defeated a disappointing Auxerre 4-0 in the last game of the group stage of the Champions League.
With his side already qualified for the last 16 of the competition as group winners, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho took the chance to give time to fringe players such as Raul Albiol and Pedro Leon.
After being left on the bench at the weekend against Valencia, Benzema started in attack, while Cristiano Ronaldo also played despite being at risk of a yellow card which would have seen him suspended for the first game of the knockout phase.
Auxerre traveled to Madrid needing a win to have a chance of finishing third in the group and having a chance of reaching the consolation prize of the Europa League.
Benzema wasted no time in opening the scoring: Ronaldo sent over an inch perfect cross and the striker was on hand to head home from close to the goal line.
It was his second goal in consecutive Champions League games and Real Madrid's 300th goal since the competition became known by that name in 1992.
Auxerre also gave a warning and Jerzy Dudek, making his first start in the Madrid goal this season, did well to save from Mignot.
Dudek's game came to a sad end just after the start of the second half as a result of a mouth injury he had suffered in the first period.
Ronaldo made it 2-0 a minute later with a neat finish from Marcelo's cross and Benzema added a third with 20 minutes later following a pass from Lassana Diarra.
He completed his hat-trick in the last minute following an error from Auxerre keeper Sorin.
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