Benzema vs Guti: Which backheel assist is better?

Real Madrid opened up a potentially vital two-point lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday after narrowly defeating Espanyol 1-0 from home thanks to a goal from Casemiro.

However, the moment of the match was the assist, with Karim Benzema continuing his scintillating form by flicking the ball into the path of the Brazilian from a tight angle, allowing for the easy finish.

It could prove to be a key moment of the campaign, and evoked memories of a similar Real Madrid assist from 10 years ago from one Guti.

In 2010, Real Madrid were embroiled in another battle with Barcelona for the Spanish Primera Division title. At that time, they had not defeated Deportivo on their home patch since 1991, yet emerged with all three points after a 3-1 away victory at the Riazor.

The moment of that match provided one of the greatest assists the league had ever seen, as while through on goal Guti deceived the Depor goalkeeper, defence, and basically everyone else, by not shooting, but backheeling a pass into the path of a team-mate to slot home.

The team-mate? Benzema, of course.

Now, 10 years on, the Frenchman has turned provider. But, which is better?

We'll try and suck all the fun from it by using our FC Goal Algorithm to make the call!

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Guti - Deportivo 1-3 Real Madrid, 30 Jan 2010

Backheel assist is in Real Madrid DNA. Benzema learned it from the magician Guti. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/5VUH6pnAjK

— Mo. (@thezamalekguy) June 28, 2020

Aesthetically Pleasing - 30/30 The assist takes you so much by surprise that you can't help enjoy a moment of glee. It isn't just a pass in the dark, either, as Benzema doesn't even have to break stride for one of the easiest finishes of his career.

Technical Difficulty - 30/30 The technical difficulty here isn't in the backheel, which is pretty easy, but for the unreal awareness and sheer audacity to kick away from the goal, knowing his team-mate is there. The opportunity to look ridiculous here is high, but he pulls it off.

Uniqueness - 19/20 An extremely unique piece of work from Guti, but Benzema has proved it isn't a one-of-a-kind.

Importance - 6/10 The result ended Madrid's shocking run at the Riazor to help them keep pace with Barca in the title race. But, the Blaugrana would eventually win the title anyway.

Standard of Opposition - 5/10 Deportivo were relegated that season.

FC VERDICT - Only a select few players in history would even think to attempt this when through on goal. The composure is truly remarkable.

Benzema - Espanyol 0-1 Real Madrid, 28 June 2020

Just a casual backheel assist from Benzema, no big deal! 😍

Casemiro finishes and Madrid lead just before half time ⚪ pic.twitter.com/Vjhtl8ETbe

— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) June 28, 2020

Aesthetically Pleasing - 28/30 This one isn't quite as out of the blue as Guti's, but it comes from a much tighter angle and it even goes through the defender's legs.

Technical Difficulty - 28/30 Benzema is moving away from goal at pace and not only keeps the attack alive with the backheel, but actually puts the ball on a plate for Casemiro. But there is a higher element of luck with this one than Guti.

Uniqueness - 19/20 We're comparing the two goals. So they can't be that unique!

Importance - 8/10 A couple of weeks ago Real Madrid went top of the table on the head-to-head rule vs Barcelona. Now, this assist has provided them with a two-point cushion at the top of the table. It could prove vital come the final day.

Standard of Opposition - Espanyol are bottom of the table.

FC VERDICT - Benzema's will likely prove far more important in the scheme of things, but the all-round arrogance of what Guti does, plus the slight element of luck in Benzema's touch, means that Guti is the winner, but only just.

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Karim Benzema

N/A

Real Madrid

92

Barcelona

87

Espanyol

63

La Coruña

58

Primera Division