Real Madrid once again showed why they are the kings of Europe thrashing the reigning champions, Chelsea 3-1. Here are the key takeaways from the first leg in London.
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In what was easily the most anticipated tie of the last eight in the Champions League, Real Madrid once again showed why they are the kings of Europe thrashing the reigning champions, Chelsea 3-1 on a rainy night in Stamford Bridge. Fresh from their victory against Celta Vigo at the weekend, Madrid overran Chelsea who have now conceded 7 goals in their last 2 games having conceded 4 at the weekend to Brentford.
Read More: Chelsea vs Real Madrid: ‘The tie is not alive,’ says Thomas Tuchel
Karim Benzema opened the scoring in London in the 21st minute with a sensational header assisted by Vinicius Jr. and followed it up with another world-class header just three minutes later doubling the visitors’ lead. Kai Havertz did snatch back some hope for Chelsea, reducing the deficit to one just before halftime. However, the two-goal advantage was restored minutes after half-time when Benzema pounced on a rare Edouard Mendy mistake to make it back-to-back hattricks in the Champions League.
This first leg result means that Real Madrid have a massive advantage to carry to the Bernabeu next week which will make Chelsea’s task even more daunting. With their home support behind them, Madrid will undoubtedly look to close the tie and take revenge for their semi-final exit at the hands of Chelsea last season.
Having failed to win the Ballon D’Or last season, Karim Benzema is making a very strong case for this year’s award. Already having a stellar season with Real Madrid having scored 34 goals this season before the match, the Frenchman added three more goals to his tally and ensured he followed up his hattrick against PSG with another one becoming only the fourth to bag hattricks in consecutive Champions League matches.
Even apart from the goals, Benzema was involved in the linkups play and dropping deeper to free up space for Vinicius. His two headers just went on to show the kind of form Benzema is enjoying right now displaying world class athleticism and awareness. While for the third goal, some good fortune accompanied him but it wouldn’t have been possible without his relentless pressing. Karim Benzema will now look on to add to his 11 goals in the Champions League in the second leg next week.
There has been much talk recently around Carlo Ancelotti as to whether or not he is the right man to lead Real Madrid, whether or not his tactics suit the modern game. Well, most of this talk would have been shut down after the first leg against Chelsea. The Italian manager proved once again why he is regarded as one of the best managers of all time, showing his experience and outclassing Thomas Tuchel.
There is no doubt as to the fact that Ancelotti won the tactical battle. Many doubted as to whether the midfield of Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro would prove to be effective but Ancelotti stuck with them and bore the fruit. His decision-making from his squad selection to his substitutions was spot on.
Many in the footballing world had Chelsea as the favourites against Real Madrid and while the tie is only halfway complete, a comeback from Chelsea will require a herculean effort. Already out of the Premier League title race and League Cup, the season could well turn out to be a disappointment for the defending European Champions. Performances from players like Mason Mount, Edouard Mendy, Romelu Lukaku, and Andreas Christensen would have certainly not pleased the fans.
From the very start, Chelsea got it all wrong against Madrid constantly caught in transitions and in behind their defensive lines. Real Madrid ensured that these shortcomings were duly punished before Thomas Tuchel had the chance to alter his setup. Following up this result after a shock 4-1 loss to Brentford, Chelsea undoubtedly have key areas to work on and soon in the business end of the season.
