I agree with you, Benzema and Rodrigo can make a difference in Real Madrid's game. Especially if it is a very crucial match for them. Last season that destroyed Manchester City was Rodrigo, he can be the hero of the victory to successfully get rid of Manchester City. At the end of the spear, Benzema is really needed by Real Madrid at this time, because there is no player who can replace his role in attack.
You forgot to add vini. Sometimes, valverde was also helping real madrid to leave from difficult situation. Rodrygo can come anytime as a savior for real madrid. He was always making an unpredictable movement that was helping real madrid to win the crucial match. Rodrygo is such an underrated player. I remember when rodrygo was making dramatic goal against manchester city which is very good. Real madrid was able winning UCL last seas after it was destroying manchester city through epic comeback.
The only thing that makes it different if this time real madrid will be playing away at the second round of UCL. Ancelotti was not even using a single player from its main squad. The last match against getafe has been showing if ancelotti was using secondary lineup against it.
that's why hazard was also playing at that time. Madrid is now fully preparing against manchester city. KDB and haaland are always become the main target.
Rudiger will be going play in full time soon to make sure haaland will not get free space.