Real Madrid claimed a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, a result that leaves the tie very much alive as it heads to London. After the final whistle in Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the effort and the road ahead. He acknowledged the work ahead, stressing that a 2-0 lead is not a final result and that Chelsea will push hard in the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian manager emphasized the importance of the next 90 minutes, noting that the quarterfinals demand sustained focus and resilience. He praised his players for their performance and for handling the pressure of a knockout clash, while reminding everyone that the job is only half done and that the clash is far from settled. He added that the team would need to be ready for a difficult away match, where Chelsea will seek a comeback with their own support and tactical adjustments.
The Madrid side opened the scoring with Karim Benzema finding the net in the 21st minute, giving Real Madrid a vital lead. Later, Marco Asensio extended the advantage from midfield in the 74th minute, strengthening the home side’s position and underscoring the effectiveness of Madrid’s approach on the night.
In a defining moment, Chelsea’s prospects were hindered by a red card shown to Ben Chilwell in the 59th minute for a foul on Rodrigo, leaving the visitors to chase the game with one fewer player. The dismissal shifted the tempo and the tactical balance, positioning Real Madrid to control much of the remainder of the match.
The rematch is scheduled for April 18 in London and will determine which team advances to the Champions League semifinals. The kickoff is set for 22:00 Moscow time, highlighting the significant travel and time-zone considerations for both clubs as they prepare for the high-stakes clash on foreign soil.
One former Chelsea manager weighed in on the prospects, suggesting that a miracle could still decide the tie in Chelsea’s favor, should Real Madrid underestimate their opponents in the rematch. This sentiment reflects the unpredictable nature of knockout football, where a single game can overturn a sizeable aggregate lead and keep the dream alive for both sides.