No team has lifted the famous trophy in the history of this elite competition, although there are those who still continue doubt what the UEFA Champions League means to Real Madrid. If the demonstration of resolve and resilience demonstrated against Chelsea was any indication, such doubts were convincingly dispelled.
Blockbuster in the Spanish capital
Real Madrid had produced an excellent display in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, returning home with a solid 3-1 advantage ahead of the second leg at home, largely thanks to the individual brilliance of Karim Benzema and his hat-trick of goals. Nevertheless, the tie was far from over Chelsea would prove in the Spanish capital.
Mason Mount edged Chelsea ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu, then Antonio Rudiger powered in a second early in the second half, levelling the aggregate score at three goals apiece. When the visiting side grabbed their third goal of the night via Timo Werner, it almost looked as though Real Madrid were heading towards a famous capitulation.
But if there is one thing anyone with knowledge of European football will already be aware, one should never underestimate the resilience of Real Madrid, who always make the impossible seem inevitable in the Champions League. Within five minutes of what many thought was the killer blow from Chelsea, once again, Real Madrid were back in tie.
Precision passing of Luka Modric
Thanks to a majestic pass from Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modric, demonstrating exquisite vision and skill with the outside of his boot, Brazilian forward Rodrygo was clean through on goal to apply the finishing touch. This outstanding moment is what ultimately took the game to extra-time, Real Madrid unwilling to resign themselves to defeat.
Luka Modrić is 36.#UCL pic.twitter.com/IeB6AIAMA3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 12, 2022
Urged on by the vocal home crowd, regardless of Chelsea finding their second wind and creating a host of chances, it was Real Madrid who proved the more clinical and once again, Karim Benzema was the hero. Regardless of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel getting the tactical board out, issuing frantic instructions during the extra-time interval, there was no coming back this time.
In truth, both sets of players had given everything they had, producing an absolutely mesmerising football match. Yet when it comes to the belief of Real Madrid in the face of European adversity, rarely does any other team come close to the Spanish giants, always capable of rising to the occasion.
Real Madrid face the challenge of Manchester City
Remarkably, the vast majority of bookmakers continue to regard Real Madrid as outsiders, unsure whether this team is capable of winning the UEFA Champions League title this season. Despite the heroics against Chelsea, the oddsmakers are still convinced the remaining English sides in the competition are more likely to triumph.
MADRIDISMO LEVEL: THROUGH THE ROOF ???? pic.twitter.com/HIIBkggs1p
— Real Madrid C.F. ???????????????? (@realmadriden) April 12, 2022
This is perhaps why checking the betting sites UK guide via SBO is worthwhile, as they review only the most trustworthy online bookmakers, evaluating which offer the most competitive odds and provide the broadest selection of betting markets. Insofar as the outright winner markets are concerned, regardless of being the next side to face Real Madrid in the semi-finals, Manchester City are currently valued as UEFA Champions League favourites.
Given his own storied coaching history over the years, City manager Pep Guardiola will never underestimate the challenge Real Madrid will pose. Some regard the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti as being weaker than in previous years, although after eliminating both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the knockout stage, they can’t be taken for granted.
Spanish eyes on the big prize
Despite the heroics of Real Madrid, their neighbours Atletico Madrid bowed out of the Champions League, unable to turn around the 1-0 deficit from the first leg against Manchester City, who held their hosts 0-0 in a bad-tempered affair at the Wanda Stadium. Now the champions of England will face the champions of Spain in the UCL semis.
Thanks to their 1-3 away win against Benfica in the first leg, Liverpool decided to risk resting several players in the second-leg at Anfield, which produced an entertaining 3-3 draw against the spirited Portuguese outfit. After booking their place in the semi-finals, the Merseyside club will take on the remaining underdogs in the competition, facing a potentially tricky test against Villarreal.
Bayern Munich were probably guilty of underestimating Villarreal, the side who Unai Emery coached to UEFA Europa League glory last season. His golden touch in European competitions continues, because after beating the Bundesliga giants 1-0 in Spain, the 1-1 draw he masterminded in Bavaria was enough to get them through. Villarreal has only been a topflight club in Spain for little more than two decades, yet now they are eyeing the biggest prize in Europe.
