Benzema still needs to improve - Mourinho

French striker Karim Benzema, who scored within seconds of coming on in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against his former club Lyon on Tuesday, still needs to improve, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said on Thursday.

"Everyone knows his potential which is impressive. But everyone knows, and he himself knows it, because he is an intelligent boy, that during matches he still needs to improve certain aspects," he said in an interview published in sports daily AS.

"He is working to improve. He is going in the right direction," the Portuguese coach added.

Benzema, 23, who left Lyon for the Spanish capital two years ago, made an instant impact in Tuesday's Champions League match at his old stomping ground, Stade Gerland.

Moments after replacing Emmanuel Adebayor in the 64th minute, he received a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo and slalomed across the Lyon box before beating goalkeeper - and France team-mate - Hugo Lloris with a measured finish.

He thus became the first Real player to score at Lyon in the Champions League, but a late equaliser from Bafetimbi Gomis meant the seven-time French champions preserved their unbeaten record against the Spanish heavyweights.

"I hadn't dreamed of a better return," said Benzema, who will hope to play a decisive role again when Lyon visit Madrid for the return leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on March 16.

Nine-time winners Real have fallen at the last 16 stage in each of their last six seasons, and Lyon eliminated Real 2-1 at this stage of the competition last season.