Madrid (AP) – Defending champion FC Chelsea was eliminated despite an energy performance in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The team of German coach Thomas Tuchel won the second leg at Real Madrid 3:2 (1:0), but lost the first leg 1:3. Mason Mount (15th minute) and the German national soccer team players Antonio Rüdiger (51st) and Timo Werner (75th) had already put the third-placed team in the English Premier League 3-0 ahead. Rodrygo (80′) saved Real in extra time, in which Karim Benzema (96′) marked the decisive goal.
Chelsea appeared motivated and offensively oriented at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Right from the start, the defending champions put the hosts under pressure with the three German internationals Rüdiger, Kai Havertz and Werner in the starting XI. The London defense had both the lively Vinicius Junior and the three-goal scorer from the first leg, Benzema, well under control.
Real reacted to Chelsea’s offensive urge with a tightly staggered defense. But the guest found a gap in the 15th minute. Mount made it 1-0 with a well-placed shot on Werner’s assist. The game-determining Londoners also started the second half with commitment and were rewarded with the 2-0 through Rüdiger, who headed the ball powerfully into the goal after a corner.
The video referee conceded the third goal for Chelsea by Marcos Alonso in the 63rd minute because the ball jumped into the hand of the Spaniard before the shot on goal. Almost in return, Real striker Benzema headed the crossbar of the London goal. With a fine individual performance, it was Werner who made it 3-0. Rodrygo (80th) shot the hosts into overtime. Benzema then headed Real into the semifinals.