Chelsea put up an inspiring display to hold Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in Spain in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first-leg.
The first time ever both teams will face each other in the Champions League. The last time they met was in the 1998 UEFA Super Cup which Chelsea won 1-0.
Christian Pulisic put Chelsea ahead before Karim Benzema equalised for Madrid.
Chelsea began well and should have taken the lead on nine minutes after Mason Mount flew down the flank and found Pulisic with his cross.
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The American headed back across goal but Timo Werner’s effort was close range was saved by Thibaut Courtois’ outstretched leg.
The Blues continued to pour forward and were rewarded on 14 minutes when Antonio Rudiger sent a long pass which was controlled by Pulisic who then rounded Courtois and fired confidently past two defenders on the line.
In the 24th minute Madrid almost drew level through Benzema but his well struck left-foot strike clipped the post.
Madrid eventually equalised on 29 minutes thanks to Benzema who slammed his effort into the roof of the net following a flicked header from Casemiro.
Both sides seemed to take their feet off the gas early in the second period as it was more of a cagey affair compared to the opening 45 minutes.
With nothing much happening, the managers opted to make changes. Former Chelsea favourite Eden Hazard was introduced for the ineffective Vinicius Jr.
Also introduced for Madrid were Marco Asencio and Rodrygo while Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Reece James also came on.
Despite the changes neither side could find a way through and seemed content to settle for a draw.
The return leg comes up next week Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
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COMMENTS
Oga, next time the headline should read thus: Impressive Chelsea were held by Real Madrid away
Chelse should be very careful in their return leg against Real Madrid. they should not allow RM to score else, it will spell a disaster for them.