Real Madrid awoke on June 5 without Benzema. It had been a day since his unexpected departure had been announced. First day without the person who had served as his “9” for the previous 14 years. And not just any “9,” but a legend: the player who scored the second-most goals in history (354), shared the most championships with Marcelo (25), won five Champions Leagues, and was a part of one of the most storied football attacks in history.

Karim left for Saudi Arabia and arrived in Madrid at a different pace. Losing a player of his caliber, position in the hierarchy, and career had an even greater impact because of his sudden departure. In this way, 100 days after bidding Madrid farewell, the blow is still felt, and the Frenchman’s ghost still lingers over numerous issues that the team hasn’t yet been able to resolve. In other words, Madrid hasn’t quite been able to “forget” Karim, and the hole he left is still not quite filled.

Without the digit 9 and the galaxy “nine”

The club’s sporting plans were altered by Benzema because they included the Frenchman and, as a result, had room to sign a replacement at his height with one more year to spare. For another great star, a tremendous star. Furthermore, although knowing that Endrick was not an immediate performance signing, he allowed time for his arrival as an additional reinforcement. Madrid chose not to go with a galactic nine and instead took advantage of a market chance by signing Joselu. By adding to the departures of Asensio, Mariano, and Hazard, Benzema completed establishing a waterway in the attack, and Madrid covered it with Joselu and Brahim.

Bellingham, Pichichi

The Englishman is trying to hide the goal-scoring issue brought on by Benzema’s departure, but that is neither his job nor even remotely his obligation. Madrid is making the most of its impressive run of goalscoring opportunities, but without a miracle, its scoring totals will be well behind those of a galactic nine. No one in Madrid’s list of attackers can guarantee the 30 goals or more each season that the Frenchman scored in his previous five campaigns, which included 30 (18-19), 27 (19-20), 30 (20-21), 44 (21-22), and 31 (22-23). The only player who fits the bill as a goal scorer is Joselu, but he is not a “starter” and will score from his “plan B” position.

‘Mbappé soap opera’ number two ends with disappointment

The “Mbappé case,” which appeared to have been placed on hold until next summer when Kylian would be free again if he did not renew with PSG and Karim would complete what everyone assumed would be his final year in white, was resurrected by Benzema’s departure. The plan was flawless, but everything went wrong to disrupt the market calm that Madrid was thought to have. Days later, Karim’s fellow countryman shocked everyone by declaring that he would not be renewing his contract with PSG.

Madrid had been caught up in the ‘Mbappé soap drama’ all summer, ready to land the decisive blow. Real Madrid’s excitement increased when the number 9 became available despite the entry of players like Joselu who may have inherited it. All avenues once more led to the eagerly anticipated French star, who emerged during tense times with PSG that hinted at his impending exit. But the conclusion was the same as before. ‘9’, Mbappé, and Karim are all absent.

A bracelet for walking

Madrid also lost its legendary captain, who had worn the armband for the team both in terms of rank and on the field. There was no question because Karim was the first captain and “a starter.” Nothing to do with the current constant exchange. The captains right now are Nacho, Modric, Carvajal, and Kroos, in that order. The issue is that only the full-back is the “most starter,” and whether Nacho or Modric are in the starting lineup or not always determines who wears the armband.

Lacking an owner, penalties

Choosing a new shooter to lead the team in penalty shootouts was another effect of Benzema’s departure. A situation that not only doesn’t seem to be handled but also caused a little fuckup at Real Madrid. Everything had pointed to Vinicius as Karim’s successor from eleven meters since the preseason. Ancelotti thought it only right that the Brazilian be the first kicker because it was going to be his obligation to score the goal. In the summertime friendly versus Barcelona, his debut was marred by a penalty that struck the crossbar.