Benzema apologises to Vinicius Junior for telling team-mates not to pass him the ball
Football
By
Mirror
| Oct 30, 2020
Karim Benzema has apologised to Vinicus Jr after his brutal putdown during half-time as Real Madrid toiled against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League.
As the teams made their way out for the second half, the Frenchman was caught on camera telling Ferland Mendy not to pass to the 20-year-old.
He accused the Brazilian of 'playing against us' during a tough match for Real Madrid.
They found themselves 1-0 down to Gladbach as their European woes continued.
Los Blancos were still reeling from their shock 3-2 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday one.
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And tempers flared against German opposition during the interval with Benzema talking to Mendy in French with Vinicius Jr in earshot.
He said in a leaked clip: "Don't play with him. On my mother's life, he [Vinicius] is playing against us."
The defender was heard replying: "When he becomes scared, he loses what makes him great."
Mendy would go on to pass to the Brazilian just three times despite the duo occupying the same flank.
But according to Marca, Benzema was quick to apologise to his team-mate in training this week.
The report reveals that the ex-Lyon frontman sought out his young companion and made sure to bury the hatchet.
It is further stated that the two are now back on friendly terms.
However, it is another indicator of a bad camp at the Bernabeu - despite their 3-1 win over Barcelona last week.
The victory in El Clasico realigned their La Liga title bid - with them sitting one point behind current league leaders Real Sociedad whilst also having a game in hand.
Madrid also fought back in the Champions League, despite going another goal down in the second half.
Two very late goals, one from Benzema, got Real back in the match but it is still just one point from two games in the group stage.
Fortunately, Inter Milan - who have been noted as the other powerhouse in the group - also faltered.
Antonio Conte's men could only muster a draw with Shakhtar, keeping the group wide open.