Writing a report about the Champions League quarterfinal rematch between Real Madrid and Chelsea would take ages and will be as long as some of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novels, but in 21st century, there is no time for such long reads. So, trying to put it simply as possible: it was one of the best games in the Champions League in recent years, it was a thrilling match in which Real was loosing 0-3 at Santiago Bernabeu, but managed to score two goals and eliminate current European champions in overtime. The game crucial moments were Chelsea’s third goal (a great solo effort from Werner), a fantastic Courtois save which prevented 4-0 and an alien-like Modric’s pass which enabled Rodrygo to score a goal for the hope. And the best comes at last – Karim Benzema. The Frenchman again saved the Royal club, but he needed more time to score than we thought – 96 minutes.31 – Real Madrid have reached the semi-final of the European Cup/Champions League for the 31st time, at least 11 more than any other side. Knowhow.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 12, 2022 Rarely did we saw a good game like this, with such chances, and twists and turns. Unlike other matches in the Champions League, it’s a shame that one team had to lose tonight. The Blues played a great game, scored three goals and created at least three more, but eventually the trio of Courtois, Modric and Benzema prevailed and crushed the European champion of it’s trone.Real Madrid to Chelsea 💀 pic.twitter.com/f7IIcsw6Rt— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 12, 2022 Chelsea came out on Santiago Bernabeu turf with an aim to win, and they started the game like that. After 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel’s men were not trying to play tactically, or to ’catch’ Real on counter-attack, they just attacked, and after 15 minutes and one Real’s half chance, they scored. Finally it was Mason Mount with a goal, and a good one, from 15 meters after a pass from Werner. He made the finish look an easy one by placing the ball into the far corner. Real had a bit of possession in the first 10 minutes, but the guests really pressed them and the home team finished the first 45 minutes without a short on target.Chelsea started the second half with more aggression. The pressure has been relentless, and after two good run ins, Real left Rudiger free after a corner, and that was a big mistake. The German international scored most of his goals from corner kick and punished the home team defense: 2-0 in the 55th minute. Only after the second goal did Real made their first effort on target, when Kroos took a shot from 25 meters before Mendy saved it. Santiago Bernabeu crowed was stunned in the 63rd minute when Marcus Alonso scored the third goal. A few minutes after that, the stadium erupted when VAR ruled that Alonso hadballed and the goal was nullified. Karim Benzema’s shot seconds later bounces off the top of the crossbar, but then Chelsea scored their third goal of the game for the total shock. It was a good Kovacic pass to Werner and then the German went into the penalty area and dribbled both Casemiro and Alaba before putting the ball into the net for 0-3. And if it wasn’t for Courtois, Chelsea would have done the job with a fourth goal, but the Belgian keeper brilliantly saved a shot from Harvertz.And then Ancelotti brought in Rodrygo and within two minutes, the Spaniard scored the first goal for Real. And it was some goal! Luka Modric made a sensational pass with the outside of his boot and Rodrygo smashed it past Mandy for 3-1.Pulišić will have a sleplees night after he missed the chance in the dying second of the game, and the punishment in the form or Karim Benzema followed 6 minutes into overtime. Kante lost the ball and Vinicus made one of his numerous attempts from the left, crossed the ball to Benzema who was unmarked and his header again solved the winner. Ziyech,Jorginho and Havertz all had good chances to score the fouth goal and make a sensation, but it was not meant to be. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEQuarter-final, second legTuesdayReal Madrid – Chelsea 2-3 (0-1) /first leg 3-1//Mount 15, Ruddiger 51, Werner 75 – Rodrygo 80, Benzema 96/Bayern – Villareal 1-1 (0-0) /first leg 0-1//Lewandowski 52 – Chukwueze 88/Wednesday22.00: (5.00) Atl.Madrid (3.50) Man.City (1.85) /first leg 0-1/22.00: (1.30) Liverpool (6.25) Benfica (10.0) /first leg 3-1/***odds are subject to change
