Derby.
"Decent but not great" and "a tad over-rated".
That was Gary Lineker's verdict on Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema last October. And, although the former England captain's tweet - along with Benzema's angry response ("I'm embarrassed for him" - generated plenty of controversy, it was difficult to argue against Lineker's opinion.
Benzema was in distinctly underwhelming form, going through a run of one goal in 10 games. That drought lasted pretty much the whole season, which saw Benzema register a paltry tally of five league goals in 32 appearances.
Increasingly, Lineker's views were echoed by Real fans, with Benzema regularly subjected to jeers and whistles.
When the end of the season was followed by the departure of coach Zinedine Zidane, who had always been regarded as a zealous protector of his fellow Frenchman, Benzema's future was looking doubtful.
But the transfer window provided a double shock. Not only did Real fail to make a high-profile addition to their forward line despite being linked with Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar among others, but they also waved goodbye to the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo.
So Benzema was handed a reprieve, and another opportunity to prove himself worthy of a secure starting spot for the European champions. Can he take that chance? Does he even deserve it?
Saturday's Madrid derby against in-form Atletico (19:45 BST at the Bernabeu) could provide a big clue to the question of whether the next few months will see Benzema become triumphantly rejuvenated or remain an enigmatic underachiever.

El-derby

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