The 35-year-old played in Sunday's El Clasico, which Los Blancos lost 2-1 to Barcelona in a game they needed to win at Camp Nou.

With 12 games left, Carlo Ancelotti's team now trails the Camp Nou team by 12 points in the race for the championship.

Despite Benzema's outstanding performances during the previous season, which earned him the Ballon d'Or, he has faced criticism.

In the match against Barcelona, the Frenchman had trouble contributing because he couldn't effectively communicate with his teammates.

The ex-Lyon forward, who has 19 goals and 5 assists through 29 games this season, had 36 goals and 15 assists at this point last year.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid correspondent Kiyan Sobhani called on Ancelotti to consider using Rodrygo Goes rather than Benzema given his current state of fitness.

He tweeted: "Why the obsession with playing Benzema every second that he's able to walk. Camavinga was one of the bright spots again, he should've been allowed to see the game out until the end.

Rodrygo played with purpose off the bench. Deserves more. Starting XI shouldn't be so unshakeable."

Why the obsession with playing Benzema every second that he's able to walk. Camavinga was one of the bright spots again, he should've been allowed to see the game out until the end. Rodrygo played with purpose off the bench. Deserves more. Starting XI shouldn't be so unshakeable.— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) March 19, 2023

Karim Benzema surpasses Raul

Karim Benzema can't stop scoring for Real Madrid. The French attacker grabbed his 10th and 11th goals of the season against Elche and made a little history in the process, Sports Brief previously reported.

Benzema has now surpassed Raul on the club's all-time goalscoring list in La Liga.

Benzema wins 24th Madrid trophy Karim Benzema has been crucial to Real Madrid's success over the years, and he's closing in on more history with the club.

The French attacker is edging closer to becoming the most decorated player in the Spanish giants' history, but one player stands in his way. With the addition of the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, Benzema has now won 24 trophies with Los Blancos.