Christian Benteke scored the quickest ever goal in competitive internationals after firing Belgium ahead 8.1 seconds into their World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar.

The 25-year-old’s effort was 0.2 seconds faster than Davide Gualtieri’s shock opener against England in 1993.

Incredibly, it was Gibraltar who kicked off the Group H qualifying clash but Benteke quickly won possession before taking on two defenders and firing an effort past Deren Ibrahim, who plays for National League South club Dartford.

Palace praised their club-record signing, who left Liverpool for south London in the summer, by tweeting: “A flying start for Christian Benteke and Belgium!”

Not content with his record-breaking strike, Benteke went on to complete a hat-trick as his revival since leaving Anfield continued in fine style.

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