Benzema: Formation let us down

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema believes the use of a 4-3-3 formation does not benefit the club’s front men.

Real coach Jose Mourinho opted for three men up front in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final, but the Frenchman feels the experiment did not work.

“It’s a 4-3-3, Pepe playing in the middle is good, but it is true that the front men find it difficult,” Benzema told AS. “However, it is something you have to sacrifice.”

Benzema said his side are still on equal footing with Barca, regardless of the final outcome.

“We fought well in the first half, but it is a bad defeat – we lost at home, but still showed an intent to win the game,” he said. “Barcelona are a good team, but so are we.”

Madrid return to La Liga action with a trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.