Real Madrid overpowers Chelsea to win first leg of quarter-finals

Those who remember last year’s quarter-final between Real Madrid and Chelsea have reason to be (a little) disappointed with this first leg. Two goals in 90 minutes as last season’s tie boasted a total of nine goals in two matches, including extra time. But Champions League followers can also say that this score keeps the suspense intact, at least more than City-Bayern (3-0) or Benfica-Inter (0-2) on Tuesday. Because, Real still had the means to give themselves more margin before the return match in a week.

Carlos Ancelotti’s men were hardly worried by a Chelsea team, certainly solid behind, but uninspired in attack, and desperately without resources against Real’s defensive organization.

Unmissable Benzema

The reigning European Champion was in control for most of the game, only shaking on an action that saw Raheem Sterling call on Thibault Courtois. The latter had to work to get a ball out near his post. Two minutes before, Karim Benzema had opened the scoring, taking advantage of a poorly repelled ball from Kepa after an attempt by Vinicius (21st).

Sovereign in the game, Madrid took full advantage after the expulsion of Chilwell on the hour mark (59th). The left-back of the Blues is sent back to the locker room after hanging Rodrygo, in the position of last defender, at the entrance to the penalty area. A quarter of an hour later, Asensio, who entered three minutes earlier, doubled the lead after an action started from a corner and passed through the feet of Tony Kroos and Vinicius.

Madrid will head to London a week ahead with a good lead, but the memory of last year will urge them to be very cautious as they step onto Stamford Bridge for a second leg that Chelsea fans hope will be as explosive as the one from last year.

Results and quarter-final first leg:

Benfica (POR) – Inter Milan (ITA) 0-2

Manchester City (ENG) – Bayern Munich (GER) 3-0

Real Madrid (ESP) – Chelsea (ENG) 2-0

AC Milan (ITA) – Napoli (ITA) 1-0