Real Madrid and Chelsea could only share the spoils at Valdebebas on Tuesday night as both sides clashed in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
The London club were up against the reigning La Liga champions for the first time in Europe’s elite competition, and went into the game looking to put themselves in good frame ahead of the return leg at Stamford Bridge. The visitors return to London with an away goal that means a lot, but the tie can still go either way.
After an earlier wasted chance by Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic made up for it by putting his side in the lead in the 14th minute.
Antonio Rudiger played a weighted pass to catch the Madrid defence and give Christian Pulisic space. The Chelsea man made history and became the first American to bag a goal in the semi-final of the Champions League, going round Thibaut Courtois before a neat finish.
However, the lead didn’t last long as Madrid showed why they are unbeaten since February this year, clapping back with a 29th minute equalizer. Toni Kroos played a short corner to Luka Modric, who passed to Marcelo and the Brazilian sent the ball to the back post, where Casemiro was waiting to head it back across goal.
Militao flicked it on for Karim Benzema who made no mistake from close range. The Frenchman seized the opportunity by calmly collecting it on his chest, before sending a brilliant overhead kick that gave Edouard Mendy no chance as he watched it go into the back of the net. That marked a spectacular goal that earned Real Madrid a lifeline in an all-important tie.
Another exciting clash now awaits for the return leg next week Wednesday, on the 5th of May. Having conceded an away goal, Real Madrid now know they must also get on the score-sheet to stand any chance of progressing to the final.
