In a highly anticipated match, Real Madrid dominated Chelsea in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. (We Ain’t Got No History) The game was held at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea. Despite Chelsea’s attempts to score and close the gap in the 0-2 deficit from the previous match, they ultimately fell short. (The Athletic)
Rodrygo, a 21-year-old Brazilian forward, scored both goals for Real Madrid in the game. (Premier League News, Video, Scores | NBC Sports’ ProSoccerTalk) His first goal came in the 28th minute, in which he received a pass from Luka Modric and coolly finished it past Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. (ESPN) Chelsea tried to respond, but their efforts were thwarted by a disciplined and organized Real Madrid defense.
In the second half, Chelsea pressed forward with even greater urgency, but their efforts to score a goal were repeatedly repelled by the Real Madrid defense. On the few occasions when they managed to get past the defense, they were unable to find the back of the net. Chelsea’s best chance came when Mason Mount found himself in a one-on-one situation with Thibaut Courtois, the former Chelsea goalkeeper who now plays for Real Madrid, but his shot was saved by the Belgian shot-stopper. (The Guardian)
Real Madrid, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the counterattack, and they put the game beyond Chelsea’s reach in the 73rd minute when Rodrygo scored his second goal of the game. (Sports Illustrated) The goal came from a quick breakaway after Chelsea had committed too many players forward. Vinicius Junior, another Brazilian forward, played a delightful through ball to Rodrygo, who slotted it past Mendy to seal Real Madrid’s victory.
The win sees Real Madrid progress to the Champions League semifinals for the second season in a row. They will face Liverpool in the next round. (CBS Sports) For Chelsea, the defeat ends their hopes of winning a major trophy this season. They will now have to focus on securing a top-four finish in the Premier League in order to qualify for next season’s Champions League. (The Telegraph)
