0-2: Rodrygo brace sends Madrid to semi-finals
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Real Madrid overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with two goals from the Brazilian to play their eleventh Champions League semi-final of the last thirteen.
Real Madrid marched on in their defence of their European crown as they booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the 11th time in the last 13 competitions. Carlo Ancelotti‘s men defeated Chelsea in the return leg at Stamford Bridge courtesy of a brace from Rodrygo. The Brazilian rounded off two scintillating moves to secure the spoils for the Whites, who will battle it out with the winners of Manchester City-Bayern Munich for a place in the final.
The first half was played at a frenetic pace from the kick-off and although both sides carved out chances to score, the half ended goalless. The game’s first opening was for the hosts in the 10th minute when Kanté fired a left-footed strike off target from inside the area. Madrid soon responded with Rodrygo driving into the box and evading the challenges of two defenders to rifle a shot against the post with 20 on the clock. Ancelotti’s men went close again on 32’. This time Modrić forced Kepa into a smart save. In first-half stoppage time, Courtois, pulled off un unbelievable save to deny Cucurella from point-blank range – the Real Madrid keeper spreading himself sensationally when it seemed the Spanish defender would score.
The first half was played at a frenetic pace from the kick-off and although both sides carved out chances to score, the half ended goalless. The game’s first opening was for the hosts in the 10th minute when Kanté fired a left-footed strike off target from inside the area. Madrid soon responded with Rodrygo driving into the box and evading the challenges of two defenders to rifle a shot against the post with 20 on the clock. Ancelotti’s men went close again on 32’. This time Modrić forced Kepa into a smart save. In first-half stoppage time, Courtois, pulled off un unbelievable save to deny Cucurella from point-blank range – the Real Madrid keeper spreading himself sensationally when it seemed the Spanish defender would score.
Rüdiger came on for Alaba after the break and the Whites came out the stronger of the two sides, Chelsea could have opened the scoring however, but Kanté's shot from inside the six-yard box crashed into Militão's body in the 52nd minute. The European champions' first goal would come just six minutes later. Militao played a long ball to Rodrygo, who beat Chalobah for speed and put in a perfect cross. The ball then found its way to Vini Jr, who set up Rodrygo, and the forward made no mistake slotting home with his left foot.
Chelsea needed three goals to take the game into extra time but it was Ancelotti's side who came very close to a second in the 65th minute from Benzema's left-footed shot from close range. And in the 80th minute, Real Madrid secured a place in their 32nd European Cup semi-final with another goal from Rodrygo, assisted by Valverde, after a beautiful team move. Our team also finished with a clean sheet for the fifth time in the last six games.
Chelsea needed three goals to take the game into extra time but it was Ancelotti's side who came very close to a second in the 65th minute from Benzema's left-footed shot from close range. And in the 80th minute, Real Madrid secured a place in their 32nd European Cup semi-final with another goal from Rodrygo, assisted by Valverde, after a beautiful team move. Our team also finished with a clean sheet for the fifth time in the last six games.