Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Raul Gonzalez have scored more times in the competition than the Frenchman. His class just cannot be questioned. Likewise, in disposing of a dangerous side like Atalanta, who had already won at Liverpool and Ajax this season, Real Madrid also showed the rest of Europe that they shouldn't be underestimated, despite back-to-back last-16 exits in 2019 and 2020. Their spine is stronger now, with Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Ramos, Casemiro and Luka Modric all performing brilliantly in a team spearheaded by Benzema. Ramos, only just back from a knee injury, was solid at the back and added Madrid’s second on the night from the penalty spot, pleading with coach Zinedine Zidane to leave him on the pitch as Eder Militao warmed up.