Chelsea draw in Madrid but rue Werner misses
REAL MADRID
Benzema 29
CHELSEA
Pulisic 14
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1
Christian Pulisic's fine strike handed Chelsea a 1-1 Champions League semi-final first leg draw at Real Madrid on a sodden night when Timo Werner spurned two gilt-edged chances.
Karim Benzema's peerless exhibition of clinical marksmanship rescued the draw for a Real side muddled by a change of formation and the Blues' technical and tactical acumen.
The Blues enjoyed a stellar opening, but Werner's flimsy finish allowed Courtois to produce a short-range save when the Germany forward should have scored, and the striker was unable to convert another big opening, failing to connect with Pulisic's cross.
Despite boasting that potentially pivotal away goal, the Londoners will be forgiven for wondering what might have been had Werner netted one or both of his prime chances.
Pulisic’s decisive strike put theblues1-0upinthe14thminute. Antonio Rudiger's sumptuous lofted ball caught Real out at the back, allowing Pulisic to power into the box. The USA forward stayed calm as Courtois raced out, stepping round the keeper before slotting home.
Benzema produced the first threat for Real however, thundering a 20-yard effort against a post. He then conjured an equaliser of the highest quality,cushioningaheadertohimselfsixyardsout-thenflashing a snap volley past the helpless Edouard Mendy.
Unperturbed Chelsea took the game to Madrid once more and had Werner connected with Pulisic's teasing cross, would have taken the lead again.
Chelsea sent Reece James, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz into the fray, angled a free-kick on goal, but Courtois comfortably gloved the effort.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Eder Militao, Varane, Nacho, Carvajal (Odriozola 77), Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Marcelo (Asensio 77), Benzema (Rodrygo 90), Vinicius Junior (Hazard 66). Subs not used: Lunin, Isco, Mariano, Altube, Arribas, Blanco, Gutierrez.
Chelsea: Mendy, Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta (James 67), Kante, Jorginho, Mount, Chilwell, Pulisic (Ziyech 66), Werner (Havertz 66). Subs not used: Arrizabalaga ,Alonso, Abraham, Caballero, Zouma, Giroud, Hudsonodoi, Gilmour, Emerson Palmieri.