UEFA Champions League : Real Madrid vs Chelsea Match Report

UEFA Champions League : Real Madrid vs Chelsea Match Report

Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Real Madrid and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League. The side from London will definetely be the happier side with the result because of their away goal advantage over their Spanish rivals.

FIRST HALF

Karim Benzema’s strike which led to Real Madrid’s goal

Chelsea started the match as the brighter side and Madrid’s 3-5-2 system failed to tame Tuchel’s men in the early stages. Chelsea saw most of the ball in the first 10 minutes and pegged Real back.

Timo Werner’s poor form in front of goal continued as the German forward failed to score from close range. Pulisic directed his header towards Werner who was unmarked at the back post, but the German’s effort was right at Courtois’ leg.

FS Video

However, Chelsea made their dominance pay in the 14th minute, when Christian Pulisic took the onus on himself to score the first goal of the tie. Rudiger floated a long ball forward and Pulisic latched onto it. The American then rounded off Thibaut Courtois and scored in an empty net to give Chelsea the all important away goal.

Christian Pulisic on his way to scoring the opening goal of the game

Real Madrid responded with a few attacks of their own but left themselves vulnerable to Chelsea’s counter attacks but the Blues failed to capitalise on their chances. Real’s midfield struggled to get a stranglehold on the match and the defence was left open on more than one occasion.

A moment of magic from Karim Benzema in the 29th minute brought Real back into the tie. Toni Kroos played a corner short to Marcelo and the Brazilian swung in a cross from the left side. The ball was won by Casemiro who headed it onto Militao who in turn headed it for Benzema. Benzema controlled it on his chest and left fly on the volley to score the equalizing goal.

SECOND HALF

The second half began all square for both sides and the tempo of the game slowed down considerably at the start. Real looked more settled and comfortable on the ball as Chelsea dropped off and allowed them more possession.

Chelsea found chances to score through counter attacks but their poor final ball and Madrid’s resolute defending meant they could not profit from it. Zidane and Tuchel, both rung in changes at the hour mark which saw Eden Hazard coming up against his former side. Tuchel brought on James, Ziyech and Havertz in a triple substitution.

Real Madrid found it difficult to break into the Chelsea defence after the restart as Chelsea continued to maintain possession. Chelsea’s notable chance came from a counter attack when Havertz found himself one on one with Varane. The Frenchman brought him down illegally and a free-kick was awarded to Chelsea in a very promising position.

Courtois saw it all the way and Ziyech’s effort was blocked. Real had a final chance in the 88th minute to win the tie, once again from a corner, as Kroos delivered a ball into Raphael Varane. But his header saw a deflection and went wide of the far post.

FINAL RESULT – REAL MADRID 1-1 CHELSEA

Both sides are in domestic action before the second leg on 5 May at Stamford Bridge. Real Madrid host Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday, while Chelsea are also at home on the same day against Fulham in the Premier League.

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