Benzema scores as Real beat Sheriff to enter pre-quarters

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema scored after being found guilty by a French court in a blackmail case as Real Madrid saw off Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League knockout stage.

The France striker notched his team's third goal of a confident display in Transnistria, as Real exacted revenge for their shock 2-1 loss to Sheriff in Madrid earlier this season. The victory sends the Spanish giants back to the top of Group D, two points clear of second-placed Inter Milan, who also qualified for the Last 16 after beating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0.

Madrid now only need to avoid defeat in their final group game against Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu to finish first in the group. "We continue along the right path. I like the way we're playing," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

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