Really too cool for the blues miracle
Chelsea shows FC Bayern how not to do it
04/18/2023 10:54 p.m
Miracle missed: Despite the best chances, Chelsea lost to a calm Real Madrid. As Los Blancos advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, the Blues’ bitter streak of bankruptcies continues. AC Milan, meanwhile, knocks out the probably future Italian champions.
Real Madrid still have their sights set on successfully defending their Champions League title. The Spanish football champions won 2-0 (0-0) with Toni Kroos in the starting XI in the second leg of the quarter-finals at Chelsea. Rodrygo (58′, 80′) scored the goals. The Royals also won the first leg 2-0. Opponents in the semifinals are English champions Manchester City or German record champions Bayern Munich (first leg 3-0).
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti trusted the successful starting formation from the first comparison, Antonio Rüdiger initially had to sit on the bench again. At Chelsea Kai Havertz moved into the starting XI.
The hosts started powerfully at Stamford Bridge and had the first goal through N’Golo Kante (11th). However, the favorite mostly had the events under control in the first half, but did not do more than was necessary. Real became dangerous for the first time with a shot by Rodrygo on the outside post (20th), Luka Modric failed to keeper Kepa (32nd). In injury time, Belgium international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Madrid from going behind with a powerful save against Marc Cucurella (45+1).
Rüdiger came on in the second half – and Real remained a bit careless in some situations. Kante (52nd) and Havertz (57th) did not capitalize on it. Madrid were more efficient and took the lead after a counterattack by Rodrygo. The 22-year-old Brazilian also took care of the final score.