Real Madrid edged Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, setting the tone for a knockout tie that will shape who reaches the semis. The Spanish giants started with intent, pressing high and creating the chances that would translate into a lasting lead before the night was out.
Karim Benzema, Madrid’s seasoned strike partner, opened the scoring early on, finding the back of the net and marking his 18th goal across all competitions for the calendar year 2023. The breakthrough underscored Benzema’s enduring reliability in big matches and his knack for rising to the occasion when the stakes are highest. In the same breath, the evening underscored a broader narrative: a forward line in peak efficiency and a team that knows how to press, probe, and convert in the crucial moments.
The stage, set in Madrid, witnessed a decisive 2-0 result as the home side extended their advantage late in the contest. The second goal came from Marco Asensio, who cashed in from the midfield area to seal the scoreline in the 74th minute, reinforcing Real Madrid’s control and giving the team a comfortable cushion heading into the return leg.
The match also featured a moment of discipline from Chelsea midway through the second half. In the 59th minute, Ben Chilwell received a red card for a tackle on Rodrigo, reducing the visitors to ten men and complicating their task for the remainder of the game. The sending-off altered the dynamic on the pitch, leaving Chelsea with a daunting path to overturn the deficit when the teams meet again in London.
The rematch is scheduled for April 18 in London, with kickoff set for 22:00 Moscow time. The away goal rule is not in play for this particular tie, but the result leaves Chelsea with an uphill battle as they attempt to overturn the deficit on hostile ground, facing a Real Madrid side known for composure and ruthless efficiency in European nights.
A separate report notes that a former AC Milan side defeated Napoli to advance in the Champions League quarterfinals, a reminder of the unpredictable drama and shifting balance that characterizes the competition as it progresses toward its climax.