Karim Benzema, take a bow.
For a striker playing in a Real Madrid side that scores as much as they do, 17 goals in all competitions may not be the most impressive tally, but we got a glimpse as to why the Frenchman is such an important player for Zinedine Zidane with his outstanding work to set up Real Madrid's massive away goal at the Calderon.
After Saul Niguez and Antoine Griezmann scored inside the first 15 minutes, an absolutely breathless first half finished with deflation for all with Atletico as Isco's goal sent them back to square one needing three goals.
And it was all about Benzema. After finding himself isolated and surrounded by three Atleti defenders (including both centre-backs for some reason) Benzema's outrageous footwork saw him escape pressure and set up a shot for Toni Kroos which produced an excellent save from Jan Oblak, but Isco was on hand for the rebound.
Let's take another look at Benzema's footwork, shall we?
Shocking defending, yes, but incredible speed of thought by Benzema who kept his cool when most would have tried to win a throw-in.
That has to be one of the most entertaining first-halves we've seen in years. So much passion on show, and yet so much technical skill too. Incredible stuff.
