The experienced striker stayed composed when it mattered most, much to the relief of our Champions Journalist fan reporter…

Watching your team go one-nil down within the first 15 minutes of a Champions League semi-final is no-one’s idea of a good time. Chelsea flew out of the blocks in Valdebebas and us Madridistas found ourselves in the same situation as Sergio Ramos, screaming encouragement for our team from afar. Albeit he was shouting from the sidelines and I was shouting at my television screen…

While the captain continued to bark orders from the stands, I quickly lost interest in raising my voice, bothered by the disappointing performance I was witnessing. Yet one player knows how to brighten the day of any Madrid fan: Karim Benzema. Despite the horrendous downpour he remained composed and demonstrated the skill that he’s always had, but perhaps never been truly appreciated for. I don’t know what Real Madrid would do without him.

Benzema’s stunning equaliser took his Champions League goal tally to 71, matching Real Madrid legend Raúl González to become the joint fourth highest scorer in the competition’s history. A player who has spent the majority of his career in Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow is finally showing what he can do as the team’s focal point in attack – and earning his just rewards from critics in the process. The striker has a wealth of experience for Madrid and continues to put the team on his back with his repeated rescue acts, bringing a sense of calm to the squad.

Eden Hazard spoke after the game and it’s hard to disagree with his post-match comments: “It could’ve been worse.” At one stage it felt as though the worst was upon us but, as London awaits, one thing is clear: as long as Benzema is on the pitch, we’re in with a shot.