Benzema at it again as Madrid beat 10-man Chelsea
MADRID, April 13
A tap-in by Karim Benzema and a powerful strike by substitute Marco Asensio earned European champions Real Madrid a 2-0 win over 10-man Chelsea in their Champions League quarterfinal, first leg in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.
Benzema, the scourge of Chelsea at the same stage of the competition last season, converted from point blank range in the 21st minute when Kepa Arrizabalaga saved from Vinicius Junior but could only touch the ball in the direction of the Frenchman.
90It was Benzema’s 90th UCL goal with the last 11 coming against English clubs.
20The French veteran has scored 20 goals in 27 matches against English teams.
It was Benzema’s 90th Champions League goal with the last 11 all coming against English clubs.
Chelsea — under caretaker coach Frank Lampard after a dismal season so far — went close to scoring in the first half but Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling were thwarted by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois playing against his former club.
The Londoners’ chances of getting back into the game suffered a major setback in the 59th minute when Ben Chilwell was shown a straight red card for bringing down Rodrygo with a tug of the Brazilian’s shirt. — Agencies
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