Carvajal blocks a cross by Chilwell after Chelsea tear forward again. It’s amazing how often they’re streaming through Real. Chelsea again expose huge holes in the ramshackle Real defence. Kanté romps free down the right and has time to pick out Pulisic in the middle of the box.
He’s quickly surrounded by plays it wide to Chilwell, who rather scuffs a right-footed shot, leaving Courtois with a simple save. But Chelsea can be confident of scoring again if they – and Real – continue like this.
Benzema, barely involved so far, picks up the ball about 25 yards out and unloads a ferocious shot with his left foot that flies past Mendy and clips the outside of the post. From out of nowhere he almost plundered an equaliser!
Slightly better from Real. They spend a minute probing in Chelsea’s half, popping the ball around quickly. But Chelsea are closing down the opening equally fast. When Kroos tries to clip a pass into the box, Kante gets a nick on it, sending it harmlessly into Mendy’s arms.
Zidane may already be thinking about changing system. The defence looks wonky in a back three, with Chelsea continually finding gaps. And Modric and Kroos have seen little of the ball in midfield.
Simple but deadly! Rüdiger lifted a canny ball from half-way over the top for Pulisic to chase. The American darted between two defenders to retrieve it 10 yards out, and a little to the left. He drew Courtois out and then tricked his way past him and fired past a man on the line and into the net. Chelsea started the better and have the lead they deserve !
GOAL: KARIM BENZEMA! WHAT A FINISH! #UCL
Real Madrid 1 – 1 Chelsea.
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— ABC Islands Sportsbook (Official) (@betabcislands) April 27, 2021