Another Karim Benzema Hat-Trick Takes Real Madrid Legend Up To Fourth On List Of Top Scorers In La Liga History

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has moved up to fourth place on La Liga's list of all-time leading scorers. Benzema scored a first-half hat-trick vs Almeria.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema moved up to fourth place on La Liga's list of all-time leading scorers after netting a first-half hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Almeria.

The 35-year-old began Saturday one goal behind former Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez, who netted 234 times in La Liga in the 1980s and '90s during spells with Real, Atletico and Rayo Vallecano.

But Benzema scored twice in the opening 17 minutes of Real's home game against Almeria to leapfrog Sanchez.

Both of Benzema's early goals against Almeria were set up by terrific wing play. Vinicius Junior assisted the first from the left before Rodrygo did likewise from the right.

Benzema then completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute when he converted a penalty kick that had been won by Federico Valverde.

Lazaro pulled a goal back for Almeria before half-time. Rodrygo then scored brilliantly from long range to restore Real's three-goal advantage early in the second half.

Lucas Robertone completed the scoring in the 61st minute.

Benzema has now scored three hat-tricks this month. His first came in a 6-0 win over Valladolid on April 2 before he got another in a 4-0 away victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey three days later.

Karim Benzema pictured celebrating after scoring a hat-trick for Real Madrid against Almeria :: IMAGO/NurPhoto/Alberto Gardin

It has taken Benzema 436 games to score 236 La Liga goals for Real.

The next player ahead of Benzema on the list is now Athletic Bilbao legend Telmo Zarra, who scored 251 goals in 278 appearances between 1940 and 1955.

Cristiano Ronaldo is second with 311 goals in 292 league games for Real from 2009 to 2018.

It will take something incredible to threaten Lionel Messi's record. He tops the list after scoring 474 goals in 520 games for Barcelona prior to his departure for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Messi could yet add to that tally as Barcelona are keen to re-sign him in June when his contract with PSG expires.

Most Goals In La Liga history

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona): 474 goals
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): 311 goals
3. Telmo Zarra (Athletic Bilbao): 251 goals
4. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): 236 goals
5. Hugo Sanchez, (Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid & Rayo Vallecano): 234 goals