Crystal Palace striker netted a brace for Belgium.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke in action with Watford’s Younes Kaboul
Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke had the perfect tune up last night for the club’s Premier League fixture with Chelsea.
In action for Belgium against Russia the big money striker produced an all action performance to earn his side a 3-3 draw.
Given the nod to start the friendly fixture ahead of Romelu Lukaku, Benteke won a penalty and scored twice himself.
Benteke has not scored since January 31, in a 2-0 win against Bournemouth, and Palace urgently need to get him firing on all cylinders at this crucial stretch of the season.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke in action
He has gone five games without a goal, and has just the one in his last eight club matches for the Eagles.
Benteke has nine in 26 Premier League games this season, and can still finish the campaign with a creditable tally if he ends strongly.
Palace sit 16th in the table, three points ahead of the relegation zone, but risk slipping back into it this weekend with a loss if they lose away to Chelsea.
Benteke’s goals will give him a lift, and Palace fans are more optimistic than they were about his chances of getting back on the scoresheet after his brace last night.
Here is a look at how Palace fans reacted…
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