At home, Chelsea clearly lost 3-1 to Real Madrid. The end in the quarterfinals seemed as good as certain. But then Thomas Tuchel’s team started an exciting race to catch up – with a bitter end.
Despite a 3-2 win, Chelsea lost to Real Madrid. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s “Blues” had to accept the knockout in extra time. After 90 minutes, the defending champion was still leading 3-1. But a goal from Real’s superstar Karim Benzema (96th) caused the late end. Real had won the first leg 3-1, so the Spaniards prevailed with a total of 5-4 goals.
The goals for Chelsea were scored by Mason Mount (15′), Antonio Rüdiger (51′) and Timo Werner (75′). In addition to match winner Benzema, Rodrygo (80th) also scored for Real. The Brazilian secured extra time with a spectacular volley.
That’s how the game went
Chelsea appeared motivated and offensively oriented at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. 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.
Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Reece James (left to right): Mount scored to make it 1-0 for Chelsea. (Source: Juan Medina/Reuters)
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.