Karim Benzema reveals why he let Mbappe take the crucial penalty against Belgium

In perfect build-up to Nations League final, France and Belgium gave viewers a spectacular game of football.  French team entered tunnel two goals down when y walked towards locker room at half-time but y bounced back for second half looking completely rejuvenated. A goal each from a pumped-up Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and o Hernandez saw World Cup winners pull off a remarkable comeback to make it to Nations League final. For France's second goal, Benzema let Mbappe take spot-kick and Real Madrid forward explained why he did so.

“Giving penalty to Mbappé? I wanted him to take it, I wanted him to score. After what happened at Euro's, it is erased. I really wanted him to get that goal," Benzema told AS.

Mbappe had a forgettable Euro 2020 run as France were kcked out in round of 16 by Switzerland. Yann Sommer saved last penalty kick taken by Kylian Mbappe to make in 5-4 to kck out  World Cup champions. first 9 penalties were all converted to set up last spot-kick for Mbappe who shot to keeper's right and Sommer did well to get down and save it.

Benzema was also very impressed by Mbappe's qualities and called him a 'phemen'. He also added that he really enjoys playing alongside him and Los Blancos' cross-town rival, Atletico's Antoine Griezmann.

"Kylian is a lad with a lot of qualities. He is a phemen in terms of his football and his . He is an extremely good player, and he is a great kid. I really like playing with Kylian, and also with Griezmann, who moves well in small s," continued Benzema. "It goes really well when we play toger for France. I love playing with m."

Karim Benzema feels Mbappe will play for Madrid one day

Reports had suggested that mighty Real Madrid had placed a bid for Kylian Mbappe for €170 million-plus & €10 million in add-ons which were rejected by PSG. n a €220 million (£189m/$260m) bid was made towards end of transfer window, which was also rejected. With just a few months left on French forward's contract, reports suggest that Mbappe could move to Madrid for free. And according to Benzema, Mbappe will play for Real Madrid "one day or ar," and he also mentioned that two get along well. Benzema added that he would like to see Mbappe at Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema told RTL: "He is a player who will play for Real Madrid one day or ar. We get along really well and I would like him to be with me today in Madrid."

(Im: @equipedefrance/Twitter)