Karim Benzema says that he loves playing in the Champions League under coach Carlo Ancelotti after his latest goal in the competition was enough to see off Liverpool in Real Madrid's 1-0 victory on Tuesday night.
Benzema converted Marcelo's cross for the game's only goal mid-way through the first half, meaning he has been on the scoresheet in each of Madrid's four Group B games so far this season.
This has brought his tally in the competition to 41 in just 68 games -- including his goals at first club Lyon -- and he has reached that mark much quicker than more acclaimed goalscorers such as Filippo Inzaghi [69], Andriy Shevchenko [74], Raul and Thierry Henry [75] and even his Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo [82 games].
Only Barcelona's Lionel Messi [61 appearances] and former Madrid and Manchester United predator Ruud van Nistelrooy [45] have scored 41 Champions League goals in less games than the France international, whose performances have nevertheless regularly been criticised by fans and pundits at both club and international level through recent seasons.
Benzema told his club's website after Tuesday's game at the Bernabeu that there were likely more goals to come with his team playing so well at the moment under coach Ancelotti's relaxed guidance.
"I really like the Champions League, it is a competition I score a lot of goals in," he said. "I'm not sure if I'm at my peak, but I feel 100 percent and am full of confidence. We're all at ease with Ancelotti. He gives us a lot of confidence."
The night was more frustrating for Los Blancos talisman Ronaldo, who needed just one goal to equal former teammate Raul Gonzalez's all-time Champions League record of 71, but was unable to find the net despite taking 10 shots in total.
Benzema said the temporary blip in Ronaldo's phenomenal goalscoring rate was not such a big deal.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world so if he doesn't score it doesn't matter," he said. "We have a game on Saturday and I'm sure he'll get on the scoresheet then."
Madrid are now safe in the Champions League last-16 with two group games remaining, while their current run of 12 consecutive wins has also brought Ancelotti's side to the top of the La Liga table.
"The team is at its peak and we will continue to enjoy ourselves like we did today," Benzema added. "We created a lot of chances and we are all attacking and defending together."