Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio struck for Actual Madrid as they dominated 10-man Chelsea and opened up a 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg lead on Wednesday.
The document 14-time winners and reigning champions eased to a cushty win in opposition to Frank Lampard’s facet, who had Ben Chilwell despatched off within the second half for knocking down Rodrygo Goes as he ran by on objective.
Benzema netted from shut vary after 21 minutes after Kepa Arrizabalaga tipped a Vinicius Junior effort into his path.
Regardless of controlling the sport, Madrid needed to wait till the 74th minute for his or her second, with Asensio drilling dwelling from the sting of the field after a brief nook routine.
In a battle between the final two Champions League winners, Madrid demonstrated their power with a powerful show, whereas Chelsea confirmed why they’re struggling in eleventh within the Premier League.
“We’re glad with the end result, for the efficiency but it surely’s not over but, we’ve to battle, to sacrifice for one more 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge,” mentioned Actual Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“We’re glad just for tonight, it isn’t over but. We all know Chelsea will attempt to (give) the whole lot subsequent week.”
Ancelotti, who coached Lampard at Chelsea between 2009-2011, relied on veteran midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric to drag the strings.
Lampard, in his second recreation on the helm since changing Graham Potter final week, threw Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante straight into the beginning line-up after damage worries.
Kante shone in opposition to Madrid within the 2021 semis as Chelsea beat them en path to profitable the trophy for the second time, and his efficiency was one optimistic for Lampard.
The French midfielder slipped on-loan Atletico striker Joao Felix by firstly, however he fired at former Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid followers had proven their help for Fede Valverde earlier than the sport, after he allegedly punched Villarreal’s Alex Baena on Saturday, and he practically rewarded them with a piledriver which flew narrowly off-target.
“For me he was one of the best participant on the pitch, he put in loads of power,” mentioned Ancelotti.
“He was impeccable at recovering the ball.”
Benzema, who netted a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge final season and scored the objective which despatched Madrid by in opposition to the Blues within the second leg, tapped dwelling his sixth objective in opposition to Chelsea to open the scoring.
Dani Carvajal lofted a tempting ball excessive and though Kepa obtained his fingertips to Vinicius’s effort, Benzema was left with a easy tap-in.
Chelsea nearly produced an on the spot equaliser however Courtois made a surprising save to disclaim Raheem Sterling from shut vary.
Madrid toyed with their opponents, penning them again of their field for big stretches, with Vinicius, Rodrygo and David Alaba going shut.
Blues blows
Chelsea have struggled badly for objectives this season and after their early probabilities, discovered it tough to construct in assault.
The Blues haven’t scored of their final 4 matches throughout all competitions for the primary time since 1993 — and their solely pure striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not be registered to play within the Champions League.
“The final bit is typically confidence,” mentioned Lampard. “For those who work, preserve going, one thing can change.
“No participant would not need to rating a objective, generally they want help, confidence and a push in a optimistic approach.”
Chelsea’s uphill wrestle was made more durable earlier than the hour mark when Chilwell tugged again Rodrygo as he ran by on objective and was proven a straight pink card.
A tough night was compounded when Asensio squeezed an effort by Fofana’s legs and into the underside nook to double the hosts’ benefit.
Benzema may need netted one other in stoppage time however headed off beam after Kepa pushed a cross into his path.
Antonio Rudiger made a great block to thwart Mason Mount late on to make sure his former facet couldn’t take something optimistic into the second leg.
“We’re 2-0 down in opposition to Actual Madrid, that is a reality now, that is finished,” mentioned Lampard.
“(However) we’re in a special place now, we’re in a spot to show issues mistaken, change the tone, change the story.”
Chelsea host Madrid subsequent Tuesday, with the winners dealing with Manchester Metropolis or Bayern Munich within the semi-finals.