Benzema case – what really happened between him and Vinicius

This video shows why Benzema got so upset about Vinicius

Since yesterday Karim Benzema is again the great scapegoat on the football scene. The Madrid striker was filmed during the break in the 2-2 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach as he complained to compatriot Ferland Mendy about his team-mate Vinicius Junior. “Do what he wants. Brother, I don’t play with him anymore. In my mother’s life. He is playing against us, “Benzema whispered to Mendy in French in the catacombs of Borussia Park.

Obviously, the short video sequence went around the world and Benzema had to receive a lot of criticism. In many places, however, the 32-year-old Frenchman’s words were not reproduced correctly. In many media translations it appeared that Benzema had asked his friend Mendy not to adapt to Vinicius anymore. A small but significant difference.

The snippet of the video, extrapolated from the context, does not show the whole truth of what happened that evening between Benzema and Vinicius. The French TV channel “RMC Sport” has now shed light on the darkness. A collection of some scenes from the first half clearly shows why Benzema was so angry about Vinicius.

Several passes by the Brazilian did not reach his French attacking partner. Sometimes Vinicius did not lift his head, sometimes he suited a less well positioned teammate, sometimes he played on the high and wide flank instead of short and flat in the free space. Of Vinicius’ 18 passes, only two made it to Benzema in the first 45 minutes. So understandable, the experienced Real striker was annoyed by his young teammate.

Additionally, “BT Sport” video recordings show how Benzema, Vinicius and Mendy had a lively discussion in the center circle after the break. It is more than likely that Benzema had given his attacking partner some other tactical instruction before the second half.

Of course, that’s not the best (and not very smart) way to decide not to pass one of your teammates anymore. Benzema, too, could now be accused of actually implementing it. Until Vinicius was replaced in the 70th minute, the Frenchman did not fit the young Brazilian even once.

But even in the whole first half, only three passes from Benzema arrived at Vinicius. Much more likely, and after watching the video above, is that Benzema and Vinicius aren’t really working together, at least that night.

The fact is: the French veteran certainly did not behave correctly during the stop. However, he’s not the villain Benzema was rash about after watching the video snippet. Anyone who has never cursed a teammate in football should throw the first stone.

The Real striker remained calm on Instagram despite all the enthusiasm for himself. In one story, the top scorer initially reported on the 1: 2 goal: “While the dogs bark, the number 9 continues on its way.” Benzema later listed the records he had recently set in a post and wrote, “Obviously nobody wants to discuss this.”