Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final match. The goals were scored by Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio. Real Madrid dominated most of the game and could have scored more goals. Chelsea struggled to keep up with Real Madrid’s pace and were disorganized at times. Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, repeated the same team as the one that beat FC Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey a week ago. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard opted to play with three central defenders, wingbacks, and a midfield trio of N’Golo Kante, Enzo Fernandez, and former Madrid player, Mateo Kovacic.
The game started with both teams attacking. Vinicius Jr forced a save from Kepa in the 12th minute. Kepa made several saves but could not stop Benzema from tapping the ball home from close range. Thibaut Courtois produced a great save to deny Raheem Sterling in Chelsea’s best chance all night. Real Madrid continued to dominate the game in the second half. Chelsea were down to 10 men with half an hour still to play after Ben Chilwell was sent off for hauling down Rodrygo when the striker was through on goal. Substitute Marco Asensio made it 2-0 with a left-foot shot after a corner, as Chelsea failed to close down the ball.
Real Madrid could have scored more goals but seemed to relax in the closing minutes. The only clear chance came from a Benzema header over the bar. The second leg of the quarter-final match will be played in a week’s time.
