Champions League Thriller: Real Madrid Stuns PSG with Benzema Hat-TrickChampions League Thriller: Real Madrid Stuns PSG with Benzema Hat-Trick In a pulsating encounter at the Parc des Princes, Real Madrid staged an incredible comeback to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. After a first half dominated by PSG, the French champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappé’s stunning strike on 39 minutes. As the match approached its end, PSG seemed destined to take a comfortable advantage into the second leg. However, destiny had other plans. In a remarkable eight-minute spell, Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema scored a stunning hat-trick to turn the tie completely on its head. Benzema’s first goal came in the 61st minute, a close-range finish from a Vinícius Júnior cross. Just four minutes later, he equalized with a brilliant header from a Toni Kroos assist. As the stunned PSG crowd continued to react, Benzema struck again. In the 76th minute, he latched onto a Luka Modrić pass and unleashed an unstoppable drive into the bottom corner. Real Madrid held on valiantly in the closing stages, denying PSG any clear chances to get back into the game. The Spanish giants will now take a slender but precious 3-1 lead into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 9. Benzema’s hat-trick was a masterclass of finishing and composure. His goals have given Real Madrid a fighting chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, despite the daunting task of visiting PSG’s formidable fortress. PSG, on the other hand, will rue their missed opportunities and the costly lapse in concentration that allowed Benzema to score three goals in such quick succession. With their hopes of winning the Champions League still alive, the French champions must regroup and focus on delivering a strong performance in the second leg. This thrilling encounter has set the stage for an equally captivating return fixture in Madrid. Real Madrid will be confident of completing the turnaround, while PSG will be determined to salvage their Champions League dreams. The second leg promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the annals of European football.