Karim Benzema vs Robert Lewandowski: Statistical comparison of the biggest El Clasico stars

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to lock horns at Santiago Bernabeu today, in what will be the first El Clasico of the new season.

It may also be a start of an intriguing rivalry between two timeless goalscorers – Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema – as they keep getting better with age.

Ahead of this contest, Barça Universal will take a look at the statistical differences between these two strikers so far this season and what sets them apart as two of the best strikers in La Liga at the moment.

It goes without saying that Lewandowski is currently leading the charts with nine goals in eight matches. But Benzema lagging behind in this regard can be attributed to an injury earlier in the campaign. The forward has scored only thrice in five matches thus far.

As per 90 minutes metrics, Lewandowski has interestingly scored over one goal per 90 (1.28), compared to Benzema’s 0.60. But given the relatively small sample scale, it is perhaps fair to compare other metrics such as shooting and in-game participation.

That is where the numbers start to equate between the two, with Lewandowski notably registering 1.1 xG per game, compared to Benzema’s 1.06 xG, marginally lower than the Pole.

Lewandowski scores high even in terms of xA, which is the consolidated tally of passes that led to a shot. The Barcelona attacker has averaged an xA of 0.24 per 90, compared to Benzema’s 0.16. Neither of these statistics is particularly bad and is a testament to the quality these two attackers possess.

In terms of shooting, Benzema has averaged a higher 5.2 shots per 90, as opposed to Lewandowski’s 4.43. But the Barcelona attacker has a much higher accuracy rate of 61%, which is almost double that of Benzema (34%). In fact, Lewandowski’s tally of 19 shots on target, with an accuracy of rate 61% is the highest in the league so far.

Moving into passing numbers, this is where Benzema takes the cake. The Frenchman has a far better statistic when it comes to passing the ball in and around the final third. For a start, he has averaged 42 completed passes per 90, which is quite high for a striker.

In addition, Benzema has averaged 2.2 completed passes into the 18-yard box and 4.80 progressive passes per 90. Lewandowski, in contrast, has averaged only 21 completed passes, 1.43 completed passes into the 18-yard box and 2.29 progressive passes. It indicates the fact that Benzema has a much higher involvement, in the overall scheme of things.

At the end of the day, however, Benzema’s higher involvement can be attributed to Barcelona’s style of play that tends to focus on Lewandowski operating as the target man, with Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha offering crosses into the box.

Benzema, in contrast, is much more involved in Real Madrid’s overall attacking game. But with the two strikers boasting similar goalscoring abilities, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top as they tussle later this evening.

Stats courtesy: FBREF

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