Bernabeu blues for Chelsea as Ancelotti outclasses Lampard

Bernabeu blues for Chelsea as Ancelotti outclasses Lampard

Stephen Oladehinde 21:58 - 12.04.2023

Real Madrid took a huge step towards reaching a third consecutive UEFA Champions League semi-final after beating Chelsea 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

N’Golo Kante and Raheem Sterling return to the starting line-up as they face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu with Frank Lampard making three changes to his side that lost against Wolves in the Premier League.

Carlo Ancelotti also made two changes to his side that lost to Villarreal with David Alaba and Rodrygo returning to the starting lineup.

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How it happened

Both teams presented a very strong starting eleven after resting some players at the weekend.

Both teams started the game brightly with Chelsea wasting no time on the counter. Joao Felix was sent on his way after running behind Eder Militao. The Real defender gets back but can't prevent the shot from the on-loan Blues forward with Thibaut Courtois saving his shot.

It was not until the 21st minute when Real Madrid opened the scoring with a simple ball over the top from Dani Carvajal that opened up the Chelsea defence. Fofana was unable to track Vinicius Junior's run, whose volley was kept out by Kepa but only to present an open net to Karim Benzema to tap home from close range.

Real Madrid players celebrating a goal together
Real Madrid players celebrating a goal together

Chelsea nearly equalised in the 26th minute with a low ball which was played into the middle for Raheem Sterling to get ahead of his marker and poke a shot on target from eight yards out but Thibaut Courtois was alert to dive and get down to push the ball wide.

The second half started the same way they left off in the first half with both teams going at each other. Kalidou Koulibaly was replaced in the 55th minute after holding his hamstring after contesting a ball with Rodrygo.

As the game went on, Ben Chiwell got his matching order in the 59th minute after Rodrygo was sent through on goal by Valverde with a simple ball over the top. The English man pulled the Brazilian forward down at the edge of the box and denied him a goal-scoring opportunity.

Madrid made two substitutions in the 71st minute as Asensio replaced Rodrygo and Rudiger replaced Camavinga. The Los Blanco continue to put pressure on Chelsea’s defence as they seek the second goal of the game.

Real Madrid took a short corner and were able to work it through the Chelsea defence to set up Marco Asensio on the edge of the box. He then hits a low shot through bodies to find the bottom corner.

The game ended 2-0 in favour of Madrid as they take a step closer to the semi-final and will be hoping they can finish it off next week at Stamford Bridge.