James Rodriguez starred on his first Bundesliga start for Bayern Munich, scoring one goal and playing a role in the others for a 3-0 win at Schalke on Tuesday. James, who switched from Real Madrid in the offseason, earned a penalty and then scored in the first half, before brilliantly setting up Arturo Vidal to wrap up the win in the second. “James played very well, very much for the team with good combination-play, but physically he is not yet at 100 percent,” Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
Karim Benzema to stay with Real Madrid
Real Madrid says it has extended the contract of Karim Benzema until the end of the 2021 season. The French striker’s current contract was valid until the end of the 2019 campaign. Spanish media says Benzema’s buyout clause will remain at USD1.2 billion, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo’s clause. The 29-year-old Benzema has been playing with Madrid since 2009. He will be 33 if he stays until the end of his new contract. Madrid recently also extended the contracts of veteran left back Marcelo, attacking midfielder Francisco “Isco” Alarcon and right back Dani Carvajal.
