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Real Madrid and Chelsea faced each other in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge on 5th May 2021. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, and both teams had everything to play for in this crucial encounter. This match was touted as one of the biggest games of the season, and it lived up to its billing.
19 APRIL 2023
TIME:3:00 PM ET
The game started with Chelsea taking the initiative and dominating possession. The London-based side pressed high and made it difficult for Real Madrid to play out from the back. This approach paid off in the 28th minute when Timo Werner scored a crucial goal. Kai Havertz played a delightful ball over the top, and Werner timed his run to perfection before slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid tried to respond quickly, but Chelsea’s defense held firm. Karim Benzema, who scored the equalizer in the first leg, had a few half-chances, but he couldn’t convert them into goals. The first half ended with Chelsea leading 1-0.
The second half saw Real Madrid come out with more intent. Zinedine Zidane made a few tactical changes, and his team started to play with more urgency. Chelsea, on the other hand, was happy to sit back and hit Real Madrid on the counter. Mason Mount had a couple of chances to extend Chelsea’s lead, but he couldn’t find the back of the net.
Real Madrid’s pressure finally paid off in the 85th minute when Benzema scored a stunning goal. Toni Kroos played a lofted ball into the box, and Benzema produced a spectacular overhead kick to beat Edouard Mendy. The Frenchman’s goal was a thing of beauty, and it was a fitting way to level the tie.
The last few minutes of the game were tense, with both teams trying to find the winner. Real Madrid pushed forward, but Chelsea’s defense held firm. The game ended 1-1, and Chelsea progressed to the final on a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.
It was a disappointing result for Real Madrid, who had high hopes of reaching the final. Zinedine Zidane’s team had a few injury concerns before the game, with Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos both missing out due to injury. Real Madrid’s defense looked vulnerable at times, and they were lucky not to concede more goals.
Chelsea, on the other hand, put in a fantastic performance. Thomas Tuchel’s team was organized, disciplined, and clinical in front of goal. They deserved to progress to the final and will face Manchester City on 29th May.
One of the standout performers for Chelsea was N’Golo Kante. The Frenchman was everywhere on the pitch, making tackles, interceptions, and driving forward with the ball. Kante’s performance was a testament to his hard work and determination, and he was rightly named the man of the match.
Another player who deserves a special mention is Edouard Mendy. The Senegalese goalkeeper was rock solid in between the sticks and made a few crucial saves to keep Real Madrid at bay. Mendy has been a revelation for Chelsea since joining from Rennes, and he has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.
In conclusion, the second leg of the Real Madrid vs. Chelsea semi-final was a fantastic game of football. Both teams put in a great performance, and it was a shame that there had to be a loser. Chelsea deserved to progress to the final, and they will face Manchester City in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash. Real Madrid, on the other hand, will have to regroup and focus on their domestic campaign.
