Karim Benzema

From left to right: Raúl Albiol, Álvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Lass.

Thanks unamadridista! great photo lol...

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Real to offer Clichy-Benzema swop?

Real Madrid are weighing up a swap deal offer for Arsenal's Gael Clichy with Karim Benzema going the other way.

The Daily Mirror reports that Real are ready to cut their losses on the £30million signing from Lyon in a bid to strengthen the team's defensive shortcomings.

Jose Mourinho's fantastic start to life at the Bernabeu this season was overshadowed last month's 5-0 mauling to bitter rivals Barcelona. The result has pressed Mourinho into a move for fresh faces in the January transfer window.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal value Clichy in the £20million bracket but it is believed Real could land the player for less given the Frenchman's indifferent form this season as well as the emergence of England new-boy Kieran Gibbs in the same position.

Clichy was culpable for the goal which handed Manchester United a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the weekend which cost the Gunners top spot in the Premier League table.

Benzema has scored just one in the league for Madrid so far, although a Champions League hat-trick against Auxerre a week ago showed the striker still has an eye for goal.

Karim today turns 23 years. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENZ! I WISH YOU MANY GLORIOUS MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER, NO MATTER WHOM ARE YOU PLAYING FOR!

Congtrats!!!!Hope u get lots of gifts!! LOL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

No pictures of little Karim?? I searched and found nothing. Guys, help!?

Benzema: We can Real-ly score

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes his side's 8-0 win over Levante in the Copa del Rey showed they can score goals like Barcelona.

The Frenchman and Cristiano Ronaldo both netted a hat-trick each to help Madrid to their biggest victory of the season.

Speaking after the match, Benzema was delighted with his treble and his side's goal rout.

"It was a very good game for us, and in the end, I have three goals," Benzema told Eurosport.

"People wanted us to show them what football is, and we have demonstrated this.

"Real Madrid also have the ability to score six, seven or eight goals.

"I don't know if it was my best match for Real Madrid, but I will keep strong and working hard. I want to win the Copa del Rey because it is an important trophy for everyone," he added.

Jose Mourinho's side are second-place in the La Liga standings, two points behind Barcelona.

They play Getafe next on Monday.

Benzema: "I felt affection from the standing ovation I received from the crowd"

"I will work hard to score more hat-tricks"

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Karim Benzema was extremely happy after the match, in which he scored a hat-trick.

"I felt great affection from the standing ovation I received from the crowd. It was a natural reaction, especially after socring three goals, but I am nevertheless very happy for it."

[Cristiano and Benzema signed the ball and gave it to Morata] "He was very happy. I'm going to work very hard to score more hat-tricks and keep more balls."

"We could have scored 9 or 10 goals given the chances we had, but that's how games go. I ask the new year to bring me many goals. I hope to spend a happy Christmas and achieve this when I get back."

Feliz Navidad

Lass & Benzema

"Merry Christmas to all Madridistas around the world. We wish you health."