Real Madrid 1-1 Chelsea
Christian Pulisic scored the away goal that stands as the difference between Chelsea and Real Madrid after their Champions League semi-final first leg ended in a draw.
The American timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and run onto a ball from Antonio Rudiger in the 14th minute, finding himself with space and time to round Thibaut Courtois and score past two defenders on the line.
Chelsea made a very strong start, and Courtois had to make an important save against his former side in the 10th minute, sticking out a boot to deny Timo Werner from close range.
Pulisic scored what could be a crucial away goal four minutes later although Chelsea perhaps should have had more considering the space they were finding in attack, the final ball too often lacking.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe first goal Real had conceded since the Clasico was followed by the torrential rain from that night.
Once Real found some rhythm Karim Benzema fired a long-range attempt off the far post midway through the half.
The Frenchman then equalised in the 29th minute, cushioning a header to himself before smashing in a volley after a corner routine to move level in fourth with Madrid legend Raul on 71 Champions League goals.
Embed from Getty ImagesEx-Chelsea hero Eden Hazard was introduced off the bench in a significantly tighter second period with only a late Eder Militao deflected header going close.
Chelsea ultimately went one better than their female counterparts this week, their away goal giving them a slim advantage, but may rue not taking advantage of their early chances.
Click here for the match report from Chelsea’s previous victory at West Ham.
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