A hat-trick from Benzema and Real take the lead halfway through. At the end of an open and committed game, the people of Madrid emerge victorious by knockout of the first round at Stamford Bridge (1-3) on Wednesday, in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Carried by a Karim Benzema for the umpteenth gala time, the Merengues first folded the case in three minutes, thanks to a double from the head of the Frenchman (21st, 24th). Kai Havertz reduced the mark before the break (40th) but a fatal disagreement between Edouard Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger benefited Benzema and pressed the Blues (46th). Sometimes patient, sometimes spicy, the Casa Blanca asserts itself more than ever as a serious contender for the final victory.
Like an air of deja vu. After PSG, it was the turn of the Blues to suffer the fury of the residents of the White House, lethal against and capable of sealing the debates in a few minutes. Vinicius has already given a first thrill in the spans of the London enclosure, with a first attempt on the bar (10th). Refreshed by freezing rain, the audience suffered two slaps in three minutes. After a one-two with Vinicius, Karim Benzema is served by the Brazilian. In his tracks, the French catapulted the leather of the head under the bar, out of reach of Edouard Mendy (21st). Following a slight awakening of the premises, the captain of the White House put it back, in extension to take up a delicious ladle in a touch of Luka Modric. Mendy could only bow (24th).
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Karim Benzema, double goalscorer for Real Madrid against Chelsea
Credit: Getty Images
Two goals in three minutes, Benzema does it again
The symmetry with the hot Madrid evening in front of suddenly amorphous Parisians is all found. It also took a rescue from Andreas Christensen in front of Dani Carvajal to avoid the correction before the break (33rd). Moved in the duels, the Londoners relied on a flash from Jorginho and a pricked header from Kai Havertz to maintain hope (40th). Extremely dangerous on transitions, the Merengues pushed the London rearguard to torture. Benzema was very close to offering himself a hat-trick before returning to the locker room (42nd).
Mendy’s Huge Mistake
With two changes at the break, Thomas Tuchel expected to dominate the first seconds of the second act. Nay. Not stingy with pressing efforts, Benzema mischievously inserted himself between Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger. The French sanctioned a feverish revival of the Senegalese goalkeeper and completed a new magical evening with a hat-trick (46th). The Habs are in sparkling form, now scoring 11 goals this season on the European stage, 37 in all competitions. Less in spirit than his compatriot, N’Golo Kanté could only suffer on the bench, he who gave way to Hakim Ziyech after returning from the locker room.
Karim Benzema
Credit: Getty Images
Armed with a comfortable lead for the second leg, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were then content to manage, tightening the lines within an increasingly compact block. Despite this, Thibaut Courtois had to work several times, such as on a light strike from César Azpilicueta (50th) or a strong attempt from Reece James (83rd). Entering the hour mark, Romelu Lukaku had few balls to negotiate. And when the Belgian is in a position to score, the ex-Interist struggled to find the frame (69th).
Over the course of a meeting that was increasingly disputed on a false rhythm and peppered with multiple faults and manly shocks, Real confirmed their control. The visitors gladly gave up the leather, without suffering the opposing waves. A performance that puts the Madrid club back in the yard of very serious contenders for the final victory. Next Tuesday’s return to the Bernabeu looks almost like a formality. At the same time, with a Benzema at this level, Real can see it coming.
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