Real Madrid is the first team to score 1,000 goals in the Champions League

(CNN) – Real Madrid became the first team in the history of the Champions League (formerly the European Cup) to score 1,000 goals.

Karim Benzema coldly scored from close range in the 14th minute to give the Spanish giants the lead against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night. Benzema scored another in the second half.

The Frenchman’s goal also brought up Real Madrid’s goalscoring milestone, becoming the first team to reach the 1,000-goal mark in the tournament.

Bayern Munich is in second position, with 768 goals, while Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid’s classic rival, is in third position with 655 goals.

The club has had some prolific scorers over the years, none more so than Cristiano Ronaldo who, during his nine seasons at Madrid, became the top scorer in tournament history, including the 105 goals he scored with the ” You meringues”.

Benzema, Real Madrid scorer

Benzema’s two goals on Wednesday were his 74th and 75th goals in the Champions League, while club legend Raúl has 66.

The European Cup was introduced in 1955, before its name was changed to the Champions League in 1992.

Real Madrid have won the competition 13 times, including three in a row between 2015 and 2018.

The club won the inaugural edition of the European Cup in 1955-56, as well as the following four editions before being eliminated by Barcelona in the 1960 first round.

Benzema’s goals were decisive on Wednesday when Real beat Shakhtar 2-1 to maintain their momentum to qualify for the next round of the Champions League.