Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea: Zidane's side survive thanks to Karim Benzema
The Frenchman scored a fine goal with his team's only shot on target in the game
Karim Benzema was at it again to earn Real Madrid a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The Blues were on top in the opening stages, by far, playing with intensity and getting stuck into Madrid. It was hard for them to manage the pace of Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner.
The latter should have scored but missed badly from close range, a fine save by Thibaut Courtois, frustrating his old side.
Chelsea did soon go ahead, though, with Toni Rudiger’s long ball catching Madrid’s defence asleep. Pulisic raced onto it and showed nerve to round Courtois and fire home.
However in the 29th minute, Benzema levelled, against the run of play. He had hit the post with a fierce drive and then scored a brilliant goal, heading the ball to himself six yards out and then volleying it home on the swivel.
It was even after that, with Chelsea regretting their profligacy.
Eder Militao was strong at the back and Eden Hazard dangerous after he came on as Madrid found some rhythm in the latter stages. The best player on the pitch, though, was N’Golo Kante.
The teams meet again at Stamford Bridge next week on Wednesday, and Zinedine Zidane’s side must improve if they want to reach the final.
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