REAL MADRID VS CHELSEA

Match Review

The UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and Chelsea at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw. The result sets up an intriguing second leg at Stamford Bridge in London.

Real Madrid started the game slowly, and Chelsea took the lead through a brilliant solo effort from Christian Pulisic in the 14th minute. Pulisic picked up the ball on the right flank, cut inside and dribbled past a couple of Real Madrid defenders before slotting the ball past Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid responded well and dominated possession for long periods. Karim Benzema, who was the best player for Real Madrid, equalized in the 29th minute with a stunning strike. Benzema received the ball on the edge of the box, turned and fired a shot into the top corner, leaving Edouard Mendy with no chance.

The second half was a cagey affair, with both teams failing to create clear-cut chances. Real Madrid had the lion's share of possession, but Chelsea looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

The introduction of Marco Asensio failed to make an impact for Real Madrid, and Chelsea defended well to hold on for a draw.

Overall, it was a fascinating encounter between two of Europe's biggest clubs. Real Madrid will be disappointed not to have taken a lead to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea will be happy with a draw away from home. The second leg promises to be an exciting affair, with both teams having a chance to progress to the final.

Real Madrid:

Thibaut Courtois – 7/10: Made some crucial saves to keep Real Madrid in the game.

Nacho Fernandez – 6/10: Struggled to contain the pace and movement of the Chelsea attack.

Eder Militao – 7/10: Solid performance at the heart of the defense, making some important clearances and interceptions.

Sergio Ramos – 6/10: Looked rusty after returning from injury and gave away a needless penalty.

Ferland Mendy – 7/10: Offered a good attacking threat down the left flank, but could have done better with his final delivery.

Casemiro – 7/10: Worked tirelessly in midfield and provided good defensive cover for the back four.

Luka Modric – 8/10: Ran the show in midfield, showing his class with some great passes and runs.

Toni Kroos – 6/10: Had some good moments in possession but failed to make a real impact on the game.

Vinicius Junior – 7/10: Was a constant threat with his pace and trickery, but lacked the final product.

Karim Benzema – 8/10: Scored a brilliant equalizer and was a constant menace to the Chelsea defense.

Marco Asensio – 6/10: Struggled to make an impact after coming on as a substitute.

Chelsea:

Edouard Mendy – 7/10: Made some important saves, but could have done better with Real Madrid's equalizer.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10: Led by example with a solid defensive performance.

Thiago Silva – 8/10: Put in a commanding display at the heart of the defense, making some crucial blocks and clearances.

Antonio Rudiger – 7/10: Formed a good partnership with Silva and was solid throughout.

Reece James – 7/10: Offered a good attacking threat down the right flank and put in some good crosses.

Jorginho – 7/10: Kept things ticking over in midfield and provided good defensive cover.

N'Golo Kante – 8/10: Another tireless performance from the midfield dynamo, who covered every blade of grass.

Ben Chilwell – 6/10: Struggled to make an impact going forward and was caught out defensively a few times.

Mason Mount – 7/10: Had some good moments in possession and was a constant threat with his movement.

Christian Pulisic – 8/10: Scored a brilliant goal and caused Real Madrid all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery.

Timo Werner – 6/10: Missed a glorious chance in the first half and struggled to make an impact after that.

Overall, both teams put in a solid performance and the tie is finely poised heading into the second leg.