Benzema: Bring on Barca

Karim Benzema has claimed that the Real Madrid machine will be well oiled ahead of their scintillating El-Clasico encounter with Barcelona on December 10.

Madrid's 4-1 thrashing of city rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend coupled with Barcelona's shock 1-0 loss to Getafe has seen Jose Mourinho's charges stretch their lead at the summit of the La Liga standings to six points.

While the French international stressed the importance of maintaining focus against their next opponents Sporting Gijon, Benzema admitted that their looming clash with the Catalans are already dominating their thoughts.

"We have time to think about Barca," he is quoted as saying by Marca. "[But] beforehand we have another complicated appointment in Gijon. However, we're ready for the challenge."

The former Lyon hotshot has plundered in an impressive seven goals in 11 La Liga appearances this term and he has credited his red-hot scoring form to Portuguese tactician Mourinho.

"I feel [I have] the confidence of the coach and I try to respond in the field," he said.