Luka Modric has admitted Real Madrid felt dead before scoring against Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday night.
Chelsea were going through as they lead 4-3 on aggregate before Modric produced an unbelievable pass to help Real score through Rodrygo.
Karim Benzema eventually scored in extra-time to book Real’s place in the semi-finals.
“Unbelievable to describe this game,” Modric told BT Sport. “We were dead until the goal we scored. Chelsea scored three goals, maybe the first a bit lucky from a deflection.
“I can’t say we played badly. They used their chances well and scored the goals. We didn’t give up. We kept believing, fighting and in the end showed huge character.
“This stadium and the fans were very helpful when we were losing 3-0. They kept supporting us and it gave us a boost to keep believing.
“The manager did great changes. They did well. In this competition experience is playing an important role and I think today it helped us a bit. For me, they are the most difficult team to play against. they are a tough, physical team. We knew it would be tough.
“In the end we showed great character, desire and togetherness to manage to turn it around. A defeat that is very sweet.”
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COMMENTS
This is an example of a defeat that fans can accept happily.
Chelsea went to the dreaded Santiago Bernabeu and did what they could, beating Madrid at home in the process. But their effort was not enough to see them thru. Nonetheless, a gallant performance from the Chelsea team. Nobody in their right mind will complain or ask for the dismissal of Tuchel.
Bottom line: if the coach does a good job, it is usually obvious to everyone. In that scenario, even in defeat, the coach will remain popular with the fans and continue to enjoy their support.