Madrid: Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio scored the goals as Real Madrid beat ten-man Chelsea 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid are one step closer to retaining their title after a 2-0 defeat of Chelsea in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
João Félix threatened for the Blues in the opening stages, but Madrid were into their stride soon enough. Vinícius Júnior was a constant thorn in the visitors’ side so it was little surprise it was he who latched on to Dani Carvajal’s pass and – on the stretch – got off a shot which Kepa Arrizabalaga could only parry into Benzema’s path: UEFA Champions League goal No90 was on a plate.
Though only Thibaut Courtois’ fine stop denied Raheem Sterling an instant riposte, the hosts cruised through the gears as the half progressed, going closest to a second when Thiago Silva cleared off the line.
Luka Modrić shot narrowly over early in the second half and any chance of a Chelsea comeback on the night looked to be over when Ben Chilwell was shown a straight red card just before the hour after bringing down Rodrygo with the Brazilian bearing down on goal.
Marco Asensio’s composed finish to make it 2-0 – Vinícius again the architect – leaves Frank Lampard’s side facing an uphill task at Stamford Bridge. They could have had a mountain to climb had Benzema not headed over late on, even if there was still time for Mason Mount to go close to halving their deficit.
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Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach: “We played a complete match here. And we’ll need to do so again in London to reach the semi-final. We set out with the objective to make sure that we established an advantage for the second leg and we did that. Chelsea are a very good team and, in moments, we had to suffer.”
Vinícius Júnior, Player of the Match: “We played very well indeed, pressing all the time just like we did at this stage last season. This was one of our best performances of the season, but this is only half-time. There’s a lot left in this tie. We just need to keep calm heads.”
Frank Lampard, Chelsea coach: “I think we had some chances and there were some good things, but the result is the reality. I’ve said to the players that special things can happen at Stamford Bridge. They’re a very good team but we have to believe.”
Wesley Fofana, Chelsea defender: “It’s a difficult night. For sure the result impacts the second leg because we lost tonight. It’s difficult but it’s just 2-0. Next week the game is at home in an amazing stadium at Stamford Bridge. Everybody is ready – ready to win and ready to go through.”
Courtesy: UEFA