Reigning European,World Champions, Chelsea, exit UCL after extra-time in Real Madrid thriller
Chelsea almost completed an incredible comeback against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League but failed in the final minutes.
The Blues, who were trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Stamford Bridge last week, put up a superb performance at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night to go 3-0 up before their opponents scored to force the game into extra time.
Goals by Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner got Chelsea flying and leading in the tie until an 80th-minute response by substitute Rodrygo drew both sides level at 3-1.
In extra time, it was Kareem Benzema who netted the winner for the hosts in the 96th minute, bringing an end to a fantastic comeback effort by Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Chelsea had a goal ruled out before their third goal after Marcos Alonso who scored a brilliant finish handled the ball before his shot went past Thilbaut Courtois.
The tie saw a total of nine goals, with Real Madrid being the lucky side as they went through to the semifinal after a 5-4 aggregate victory over Chelsea.
In the other quarterfinal game played on Tuesday night, German giants, Bayern Munich were knocked out after losing 2-1 on aggregate to Villarreal.
Villarreal will now face Liverpool or Benfica in the semifinal while Real Madrid will take on either Atletico Madrid or Manchester City, who play on Wednesday.
