Champions LeagueDespite a 2-3 defeat, Real Madrid has qualified for the semi-finals. Chelsea took a 0-3 lead, but the Madrilenians still managed to get some extra time after a wonderful assist from Modric. In it, Benzema once again turned out to be the great hero. In that other quarter-final tonight, Villarreal surprised friend and foe by knocking out Bayern Munich.
Pick up a 1-3 defeat from the first leg in Santiago Bernabéu. There are easier tasks in European football.
Although Chelsea did not care much. What a difference from that first half at Stamford Bridge barely a week ago. Real Madrid had to go backwards. Vínicius and Benzema couldn’t find each other, Werner and Mount could on the other side. With a bit of luck, the German sent Mount deep, the Englishman worked the ball beautifully past Courtois. No chance for our compatriot.
‘The Blues’ pushed on. It was not possible to create only goal-ready opportunities. Same game after the break. Real called it a disaster and after five minutes in the second half there was the 0-2. Rüdiger was able to head in freely on a corner, which actually wasn’t there. Incomprehensible at this level. The Madrilenians finally woke up. Kroos threatened with a free kick and Valverde’s shot flew over.
The goal was scored on the other side. Alonso mercilessly punished Mendy’s loss of possession with a delicious bang. The VAR had already noticed the Spaniard’s hand play. Very light, Real got away well here.
It was only a stay of execution. With a double hood, Werner sent Casemiro first and then Alaba into the stands. Face to face with Courtois, the German then decided to kick, our compatriot could not reach it sufficiently and so the ball disappeared painfully slowly into the goal. Chelsea virtually in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, a header from Benzema died on the crossbar.
Magic Modric
If you thought Real were on the ropes, you didn’t count Luka Modric. The Croatian ball virtuoso served with a princely pass, outside right, Rodrygo. The Brazilian did not hesitate and shot the 1-3 past Mendy. To redo everything.
In regular time, Pulisic was still close to 1-4, but the American was unable to press his shot. On to extensions. There the duo Vínicius-Benzema saw her moment come. The Brazilian passed the ball, Benzema ran free in a way that only he can and headed in the 2-3. A copy of the first goal last week. Bernabeu exploded.
Chelsea had plenty of opportunities in the second extra period. Courtois saved an attempt by Ziyech, Jorginho’s shot was blocked, a detached Havertz headed wide and Jorginho once more kicked wide from the box. Chelsea have really let it go tonight.
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