Real Madrid Defeat Chelsea by 2-0 on April 12th : Real Madrid defeated Chelsea by 2-0 on Wednesday night in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter at the Santiago Bernebeu as Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio netted the goals for the team of Carlo Ancelotti.
The Real Madrid captain opened the scoring in the 21st minute as he was at the right place at the right time to slot home following a rebound incident.
Ben Chillwell committed a needless offense in the 59th minute and referee Francois Letexier showed him a straight red card.
Asensio who replaced Rodrygo in the 71st minute needed just three minutes to make it 2-0 for the home team with a powerful strike from the edge of the Chelsea box.
The Hits :
1. Toni Kroos and the Madrid midfield shone
What a match for Toni. Faced with an equally solid midfield of Chelsea made up of N’Golo Kanté, Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic, the Madrid midfield run the show.
Luka Modric with his clever pass and his creativity whilst the German midfielder dictated the tempo of the game supported by the boundless energy of Federico Valverde.
Despite Casemiro’s departure, the Real Madrid midfielder has remained true to himself. On several occasions during the encounter, Valverde’s projections hurt the Blues.
2. Karim Benzema did it again
Karim Benzema loves to face English clubs to put them in misery. Without being sparkling, the former Lyon player posed huge problems for the London defense.
Always well placed. Consider his goal in the 21st minute of play on a shot initially stopped by Kepa Arrizabalaga, Benzema made his experience speak for itself. Throughout the match, the Madrid striker made himself available to free up space for his teammates. Another excellent Champions League show from a true winner.
3. Vinicius Jr found the key
Almost unstoppable. The Brazilian was untenable on his left flank against Reece James. Dribbling, percussion, dangerous crosses, Vinicius Jr confirmed once again that he is perhaps the best player in his position in Europe. Will you dare mention any other name?
Vini was involved in the goal of his attacking partner Karim Benzema and was the decisive passer on the second goal netted by Asensio.
The flops :
4. Raheem Sterling and Joao Félix without cutting edge
Lined up on the front of the Blues’ attack, Raheem Sterling and Joao Félix did not touch enough of the ball to pose real problems for the opposing defenders.
Despite an interesting start to the match, with in-depth calls from the first minutes of play, the two attackers faded as the match progressed. Not incisive enough for a first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
5. Mateo Kovacic was not in it either
Overwhelmed in the midfield against Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, Mateo Kovacic was not up to the challenge at the Bernabéu.
Technically imprecise, the Chelsea midfielder missed a chance to shine in this first leg. He will now have to show a completely different face in the return leg.
6. Ben Chilwell saw red
The Englishman worsened his performance on the hour mark. Guilty of a gross foul on Rodrygo, Ben Chilwell received a red card as Chelsea completed the last 30 minutes of the game with ten men.
Send us your stories and breaking news to editor@ghanasportsmarket.com
