Chelsea (0) 0-2 (4) Real Madrid: Rodrygo send Blues packing, Los Blancos through to the Champions League semi-finals >>>

In what was a highly anticipated fixture, Chelsea hosted Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Chelsea started the game with a surprising lineup, with Frank Lampard opting to field 4 central midfielders and no wingers. Despite this tactical setup, the Blues looked determined to get back into the game and started brightly, dominating possession in the opening exchanges.

Real Madrid, however, were disciplined in defense and refused to allow Chelsea any clear-cut opportunities. As the game wore on, Madrid began to assert their authority and create some chances of their own.

In the 58th minute, Real Madrid broke the deadlock through Rodrygo. This goal seemed to knock the wind out of Chelsea’s sails and they struggled to create any meaningful chances after that. Real Madrid, on the other hand, continued to press forward and were rewarded with a second goal in the 80th minute.

Valverde danced into the box and produced a lovely cutback to Rodrygo, who had the simple task of tapping the ball into an empty net to secure his brace and effectively end Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback.

The final whistle blew soon after, and Real Madrid emerged as 2-0 winners on the night and 4-0 winners on aggregate. The Spanish giants will now progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League to defend their title, while Chelsea will have to turn their focus back to the Premier League.

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Goal! Chelsea 0-2 Real Madrid

If it wasn’t already. Long spell of possession before a ruthless move bursts into life. Vinicius cuts the ball back to Valverde, he dances into the box and produces a lovely cut back to Rodrygo, who can quite literally walk the ball into the empty net.

Goal! Chelsea 0-1 Real Madrid

That is cruel, just as Chelsea were really pushing. Rodrygo is away down the right, after Chalobah lets him skip away. Cut back misses Benzema, Vinicius is so cool in laying it back to Rodrygo and he does the rest from close range.

Second half

It is now or never for Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.

Half-time

Chelsea had a huge chance to lead through N’Golo Kante and Marc Cucurella was denied at close range

45 mins left to settle the tie!

Keep pushing Blues!#UCL pic.twitter.com/8wEvBG79f6

— Chelsea FC USA (@ChelseaFCinUSA) April 18, 2023

Kick Off

And so it begins!

Starting XI

Well then. Not exactly all guns blazing for Chelsea, who need to score at least twice tonight. Felix, Mudryk, Sterling and Mount all on the bench, as Lampard goes for a back three and seemingly tries to pack the midfield. Could well be Gallagher playing up front close to Havertz in a surprise move.

Surpisingly defensive considering the circumstances – the bench is strong at least.