Webdesk: Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio scored for Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against 10-man Chelsea on Wednesday.
Chelsea struggled against the 14-time champions. Frank Lampard’s side struggled after Ben Chilwell’s second-half red card for taking down Rodrygo Goes as he came through on goal.
After 21 minutes, Benzema scored from close range after Kepa Arrizabalaga deflected a Vinicius Junior shot. Following a corner, Asensio scored Madrid’s second in the 74th minute.
After injury worries, Lampard started Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante, while Carlo Ancelotti relied on seasoned midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to influence play. Kante helped Lampard early on by setting up Joao Felix.
Benzema, who scored a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge last season, threatened throughout. Madrid fans supported Fede Valverde, who allegedly attacked Villarreal’s Alex Baena on Saturday, and the midfielder nearly scored a piledriver.
Chelsea failed to establish attacks after their early chances. Modric missed a second-half curling shot. The Blues struggled after Chilwell’s ejection and Asensio’s goal.
Moreover, In stoppage time, Benzema missed a chance for Madrid. Mason Mount was denied by Antonio Rudiger.
While, Next Tuesday, the victors face Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
