Karim Benzema has been praised for showing the pennants of both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona during a pre-match photo, while fellow captains Koke and Sergio Busquets hid Real Madrid's.

Real Madrid have played both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in recent weeks.

They faced Barca in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia with Xavi's side running out 3-1 winners.

It was a brilliant performance from Blaugrana with Benzema grabbing a consolation in the final minute of the match.

What may have been missed during El Clasico was the traditional pre-match photo with both captains and the match officials.

Koke and Busquets hide Real Madrid's pennant

If you did see it, you'd have seen Benzema holding a Barcelona pennant proudly after exchanging it with Busquets. However, the Barca midfielder held the Real Madrid pennant behind his back and it can't be seen in the photo.

A coincidence? Maybe.

But when the same thing happened earlier this week before the Madrid derby in the Copa del Rey quarter final, the images went viral.

As normal, both club captains exchanged pennants before the photo. And again, Benzema was seen holding his Atletico Madrid pennant in front of him but Koke was hiding the Real Madrid one.

Benzema and Real had the last laugh as Real triumphed 3-1 after extra-time.

Alvaro Morata had given Atleti a first half lead but Rodrygo forced the game into extra-time. Goals from Benzema and Vinicius Jr sealed Real Madrid's place in the semi final.

But across social media, Koke and Busquets have been criticised for their lack of respect with their pennants while Benzema has been praised for his actions.

It may seem small and trivial but fans believe it speaks volumes.

Benzema has had a difficult 2022/23 campaign so far, suffering a number of fitness issues which saw him miss the World Cup for France.

But since returning to action after the World Cup, Benzema has now scored seven goals in seven matches.

Benzema: I'm feeling 100%

And when asked about his current fitness after beating Atleti, Benzema replied: "I'm feeling 100%, contributing to the team and hopefully I'll keep scoring goals".

And when asked about the victory, Benzema admitted it was hard against a traditionally stubborn Atleti.

“It was a tough match against very good opposition," the striker said. "The character of these players and our talent inspired us to complete the comeback. It was amazing.

“We have to score earlier to make sure we're not up against it. It's thanks to the fans that we can deliver these kinds of games. They pushed us to victory.

"Sometimes the opposition is well set up and it's difficult to get the goal. We have to defend and control the ball better but in the end we scored three. Now it's time to rest up and turn our attentions to the next game".

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