Twitter explodes as Karim Benzema crushes Chelsea hopes by sealing 5-4 Real Madrid win on aggregate in Champions League quarter-final
Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema crushed Chelsea's hopes of making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday. The Frenchman netted a hat-trick in the first leg of the tie at Stamford Bridge last week and ended up playing a decisive role in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu as well.
However, it was Chelsea that dominated the game for the majority of the 90 minutes. The Blues, who were trailing 3-1, opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Mason Mount.
Real Madrid were evidently rattled by the fearless approach adopted by the visitors and ended up conceding another goal in the second half. Antonio Rudiger shrugged off Luka Modric during a corner before planting his header into the back of the net in the 51st minute.
Thomas Tuchel's men were level on aggregate and looked likely to edge themselves ahead and complete one of the most memorable comebacks in the history of the competition. Marcos Alonso found the back of the net for Chelsea, but VAR intervened and ruled the strike out. The Spaniard was adjudged to have handled the ball and Chelsea's celebrations were cut short.
But the Blues soon celebrated what they possibly thought to be the winning goal of the game. Timo Werner repaid the faith shown in him by tucking away an opportunity and seemingly putting the reigning champions into the semi-final in the 75th minute.
Modric brilliance helps Real Madrid claw their way back into the game at Chelsea's expense
Luka Modric then produced an unbelievable moment of individual brilliance to help Real Madrid pull a crucial goal back five minutes later. The Croatian unleashed an outside-of-the-foot pass into the path of substitute Rodrygo, who guided the ball past Edouard Mendy.
Carlo Ancelotti's men were handed a lifeline as the game went into extra-time. Benzema then stamped his authority on the game with the decisive goal in the 96th minute. Vinicius Jr. launched a cross into the penalty area for Benzema to find the back of the net with a thumping header.
Chelsea did push for a late goal, but ultimately fell short. Despite the result, the visitors can hold their heads high. The second leg ended 3-2 in favor of the Blues, but the hosts edged the tie 5-4 on aggregate, booking their place in the semi-finals.
Real Madrid will now face either Manchester City or Atletico Madrid in the semifinals of the Champions League. Several reactions poured in on Twitter in the wake of Los Blancos' dramatic win. Here are some of the best tweets:
@brfootball Benzema really said: https://t.co/oBNnGhWxIX
We getting a Manchester City vs Real Madrid Semi Final... https://t.co/jkMUkyfuIs
Benzema in the Ucl this season https://t.co/yxiGHy1hOy
#RMACHE got me like..... https://t.co/QErvEiOUa3
Every Chelsea fans life expectancy is going down by 10 years. https://t.co/M9UGujUQJ0
That Modric assist is so insane. He has an easy through ball to Vinicius right in front of him and he's like 'nah time to transcend'
Whatever happens. @ChelseaFC are blessed with Thomas Tuchel. What a manager.
One of the best defensive midfielders Itw casually being floored by Timo Werner https://t.co/QaEaleXFZv
Yhoooo Da Vinci must take notes. That’s a work of art 😭😭😭 twitter.com/yongamanikelo/…
🏼
#UCLLuka Modrić assist should be exhibited in a museum. That’s not football - that’s art. 👨🏼🎨🇭🇷 #UCL
That modric pass https://t.co/lp6RG4TY3M
Chelsea really need this man right now #RMACHE https://t.co/lXHoVDOo0U
"madrid giving chelsea energy drink, so they can beat them again in extra time”😭😭😂 https://t.co/g4m1iKGdMZ
Chelsea deserve to go out for starting Ruben Loftus Cheek in a Champions League Quarter Final
Benzema when he see ball in air #RMACHE https://t.co/mQcDUYEyYL
@realmadrid nowhere to be seen the whole game, most overrated player of this generation
Tuchel since the International break https://t.co/2QH3KKUxED
So Real Madrid intentionally sending Chelsea to extra so that Kanté will complete his 100m race 😂😂
I'm sooooo emotional watching MARCELO...
I'M LITERALLY IN TEARS!!!
MANS A LEGEND!!!!
#RMACHE https://t.co/iouJEEEg72
Courtois sent havertz back to leverkusen
##RMACHE https://t.co/Bpx8cxxySb
Benzema: They thought I wasn’t going to score again
#karimbenzema https://t.co/eGTLHhc3o9
We did warn you to never play against kings of Europe 😎
#RealMadrid #Chelsea https://t.co/7f3uPimc4k
All this is enough to conclude that Modric is a bigger legend than Xavi and Iniesta combined #UCL https://t.co/uDfaBgQNBu
Rudiger when he catch Kante in the dressing room https://t.co/sfM8A4Vj7z
Give a Hug to a Chelsea fan 🤣🤣 https://t.co/GLM1mDze1P