Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea (5-4 agg): Intense conclusion to quarter-final tie as champions knocked out

Real Madrid have progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League, winning their tie with Chelsea 5-4 on aggregate. The Spanish giants lost the second leg 2-3 at home, but their 1-3 win at Stamford Bridge helped them stay alive and eventually knock the defending champions out of the competition. 

Chelsea did exceptionally well to take the game to the 13-time Champions League winners. Goals from Mason Mount and Antonio Rudiger early in the first and second half helped keep the pressure on the home team, while late drama would follow. 

Real Madrid end Chelsea’s hopes of defending UCL crown 

Marcos Alonso scored a big goal to give his side the lead in the aggregate scoreline, following Rudiger’s header. But, VAR ruled the goal out because he used his hand to control the ball. However, Timo Werner would eventually roll the ball into the back of the net to give Chelsea the advantage. 

But it wouldn’t last long, as Real Madrid substitute Rodrygo scored in the 80th minute to set things back level. Luka Modric produced a moment of brilliance as he found the charging Brazilian, who tapped it into the back of the net. 

Karim Benzema would then score another header, much similar to the one at Stamford Bridge, to knock Chelsea out. A defensive error from Rudiger and lightning-quick reactions from Vinicius Jr helped Real Madrid capitalise on their error and proceed to the next round.