It was a composed performance from Chelsea that saw them through to snatch a crucial away point and an even more crucial away goal.
Tuchel’s side came on top and could be a tad unfortunate not to walk off with full points. They are slated to meet for the return leg a week later against either PSG or Manchester City. The match is scheduled for May 29.
Real Madrid was all at sea as Chelsea overran them in the initial minutes. The latter should have got the lead but Timo Werner’s shot went straight to the keeper from 6 yards. But they went ahead after another 14 minutes as Christian Pulisic steered home for a clever finish.
Real Madrid tried to fight back and had to depend on the veteran Karim Benzema to bring them back in the 29th. It was a brilliant equalizer. He controlled the ball with his head before unleashing a skillful volley beyond Mendy.
Chelsea Dominate But Cannot Score Against Real Madrid
The vital second goal eluded Chelsea. But Tuchel should be satisfied with the result going into the return leg.
They go out of rain swept Madrid with heads held high. Their only regret will be not getting the second in past the Real Madrid defense. And that could prove dangerous against their all-star opponents.
Werner was guilty in the initial minutes. But Pulisic’s goal had class and cool written over it. He shot with two Real defenders standing on the line.
Chelsea kept a cool head and was rarely troubled except in the final moments when Varane parried a header off the goalmouth.
Manager Tuchel knows that Real Madrid has it in them to turn around a match in minutes. They already have proved their ability by eliminating a strong but erratic Liverpool.
Real Madrid will put the home draw behind them going into the second leg. Benzema remains one of the most lethal strikers in European football as Chelsea tries to reach their first final since beating Bayern at home in 2012.
Benzema scored his 71st goal putting him at par with Raul and only behind Ronaldo, Messi, and Lewandowski. His class will be much needed by Real Madrid going into the second leg.