Athletic ClubbossErnesto Valverdehas admitted to his relief atKarim BenzemaleavingReal Madrid.
The Basque side kick off their 2023/24La Ligaseason up againstLos Blancosin an eye-catching fixture as part of the opening weekєɴԀ calєɴԀar.
Valverde’s charges have struggled to gain momentum during preseason with just one summer win picked up ahead of the new campaign.
They face a testing start to the season with a mixed record up againstReal Madridin recent seasons and no league wins over the side from the capital since 2015.
Within that poor streak of form, Benzeme has been a nemesis forAthletic Club, with 18 league goals against them, including two in two last season.
Benzema opted to leave Madrid this summer, and complete a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad, instead of signing a contract extension in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid fɑɴȿ will be hoping other players can step up in the coming weeks but Valverde is happy with the transfer exit.
“We have suffered a lot from Benzema over time.He’s like Griezmann, who always scores against Athletic, but they will start a new stage now with other players”, as per ɾєρօɾτs fromDiario AS.
