Karim Benzema is the best French striker ever, says Zidane after heroics Vs Bilbao

Defending LaLiga champions continued ir fine form when y came up against Athletic Bilbao, racking up ir fourth successive victory across all competitions. Karim Benzema again stood out from rest as he netted twice in game to suggest he still has eugh of football left to le Bernabeu outfit. Following Frenchman's scintillating display, his compatriot and club manr Zinedine Zidane has heaped ermous praise, describing him as best striker country has ever seen. 

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Real Mrid vs Bilbao: Toni Kroos opens scoring in first half 

After an initial attempt in fourth minute from his side, Athletic Bilbao star Raul Garcia was booked by referee for bringing down Toni Kroos. struggle for visitors furr aggravated when Garcia received a second booking in 14th minute, for ar foul on Kroos, resulting in his sending off. 

An intricate play between Federico Valverde and Vinicius Jr teed up Kroos in extra time of first half to fire a thunderous shot from edge of box to bag opener. But Bilbao equalised soon in second half with Ander Capa striking ball past Thibaut Courtois from rebound after his initial attempt was brilliantly saved. 

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Benzema goals help sail Real Mrid vs Bilbao 

But Real Mrid fired back again with Benzema heing home second goal for Zidane after a sensational Daniel Carvajal cross. After almost conceding equaliser, Benzema went on to wind up game in style, netting his second goal of game with a scintillating finish in injury time. 

brace meant that Frenchman has netted 10 goals across all competitions this season. And Zidane could t hold, but shower praise on his striker after splendid display. When asked by media in post-match press conference if Benzema was best striker France has ever seen, Zidane responded in affirmative. 

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Benzema best French striker ever: Zidane 

"For me yes, in dition to what he does, what he shows, he has been at Real Mrid for a long time. More than 500 games, all goals, his record. What he has done speaks for itself. For me he is best, it is very clear", said three-time Champions League-winning manr. 

Zidane claimed Benzema is a complete player w than he used to be a few years ago. "He is t a pure . 9 who always thinks about scoring goals", a talent which impresses Los Blancos manr. "Benzema pairs up well with his teammates and creates chances for m, but also kws moment he needs to score at."

victory sees Real Mrid become joint-leers in LaLiga with 26 points alongside Real Socied and Atletico Mrid. defending LaLiga champions will continue ir title defence over weekend when y travel to Municipal de Ipurua to take on Eibar on Sunday. 

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Im courtesy: Real Mrid Twitter