Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea: Real Madrid took a big step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening. Chelsea was defeated at home. Still, the defending champion failed to create a better starting position.
Real Madrid has little trouble with Chelsea and takes the step to the semi-finals
In Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, the Spanish supporters were already rubbing their hands before kick-off. Last edition, the fans had invariably witnessed spectacles in the knockout phase of the billion dollar ball. Chelsea also fell victim to such a visit to the Madrid cauldron at the time. And the well-known executioners of that evening, such as Karim Benzema, were there again.
The Londoners came to Spain without much confidence. In a crisis of form, Real Madrid had to be contained at home. Interim manager Frank Lampard had to come up with a plan to successfully complete a tough job. The Englishman once again took Hakim Ziyech, who had been absent for weeks, with him. With a formation of five defenders, there was no room in the starting line-up for the former Ajax player, who would not come in either.
Benzema is back on
Chelsea was the first team to create danger. The Portuguese João Félix was dangerous after a good minute and immediately tested Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. This was a wake-up call for the home team, as the initiative was immediately taken over under the leadership of playmaker Luka Modric.
Benzema already tried after fifteen minutes, but firmly established his name in the Champions League a few minutes later. The striker opened the score via a rebound. It was already his twentieth goal on the highest European stage against an English club, with Chelsea also falling victim four times last season.
The guests responded through Raheem Sterling, but could barely make a fist against the strong Madrilenians. Coach Carlo Ancelotti saw that his team was lord and master, but was especially dissatisfied with the fact that Chelsea was not hurt more. Brazilians Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior did not have their sights sharp. Federico Valverde was also unable to expand the score before halftime.
Ancelotti steals the show
Even after the break, Chelsea had little to say. Certainly not after Ben Chilwell pulled the broken Rodrygo to the ground. The Englishman was able to move in and his team had to continue with ten men. Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba fired at Chelsea’s goal, but goalkeeper Kepa could still breathe a sigh of relief. The Spaniard did not succeed after a swipe from Marco Asensio. The substitute crowned a pass from Vinícius and pushed Chelsea deeper into trouble (2-0).
The duel did not yield much more. Real Madrid no longer got into trouble and mainly failed to express the difference in strength more firmly. The highlight in stoppage time was another tour de force by Ancelotti, who kept a ball up in the air in a beautifully manicured way. It earned a standing ovation from the satisfied Spanish audience.
