Chelsea worn out Madrid’s 3-1 lead from the primary leg in beautiful trend on the Santiago Bernabeu as Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner put Europe’s reigning champions getting ready to a unbelievable victory.
However the 36-year-old Modric intervened with one other second of genius so as to add to the perfect of his glittering profession, a luxurious cross with the surface of his proper foot establishing Rodrygo to volley in and sending a nerve-shredding contest into further time.
After scoring a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge, Benzema then stepped ahead to say the winner, the Frenchman capitalising on a Rudiger slip to go in, a 3-2 defeat sufficient to see Madrid into the semi-finals.
Holders bow out however Chelsea can happy with their marketing campaign 👍#UCL https://t.co/THe5VhuxAi
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) 1649802444000
On the closing whistle, Modric and Benzema dropped to the ground, their mixed 70 years of age belying one other two classic contributions which have dragged Actual Madrid in sight of a 14th European Cup.
They are going to face both Manchester Metropolis or rivals Atletico Madrid within the final 4.
After being thrashed by Brentford after which outplayed by Madrid within the first leg final week, Chelsea got here in rejuvenated after placing six previous Southampton within the Premier League final weekend.
Luka Modrić is 36.#UCL https://t.co/IeB6AIAMA3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) 1649801366000
Thomas Tuchel stated on Monday they would wish a “unbelievable script” to drag off this comeback they usually definitely delivered that, their solely failing an lack of ability to forestall Modric and Benzema doing what they’ve performed so many instances earlier than.
Mount’s purpose within the fifteenth minute set the tone, Madrid instantly consumed by stress and Chelsea given early hope.
Mateo Kovacic had been key within the build-up but it surely was Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s fast cross into Werner that caught Madrid chilly, the German steering the ball together with his knee into the trail of Mount, who superior and fired previous Courtois.
For 20 minutes, Chelsea had been dictating, Madrid pegged again. Reece James was doing a superb job proscribing Vinicius Junior, blocking Madrid’s escape route.
Benzema, Modric and Toni Kroos tried to wrestle again management however Chelsea’s authority was much more pronounced early within the second half and inside minutes they’d a second, Rudiger rising excessive on the again publish to go in from a nook.
Champions League basic ✅⏰1⃣5⃣⚽️ Mount (agg: 2-3) ⏰5⃣1⃣⚽️ Rüdiger (agg: 3-3)⏰7⃣5⃣⚽️ Werner (agg: 3-4)⏰8⃣0⃣⚽️… https://t.co/8LkDPc2m7G
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) 1649798438000
With their lead gone, Madrid briefly exerted, the gang coming into the competition. However Chelsea had been celebrating a 3rd when Marcos Alonso pivoted spherical Dani Carvajal’s sliding sort out and slammed into the highest nook.
Madrid regarded overwhelmed, the stadium useless, however the referee was ready. VAR noticed Alonso had managed together with his hand and when the choice was reversed, the Bernabeu erupted.
With 28 minutes left, the tie was again within the steadiness. Madrid had renewed impetus and nearly scored, Benzema’s looping header on the again publish dropping onto the crossbar.
But it surely was transient, Chelsea coming once more within the 73rd minute as Kovacic slid by way of Werner, who coolly slalomed previous two sliding Madrid defenders and despatched a deflected end dribbling into the nook.
🇫🇷 Karim Benzema = first French participant to attain 12 targets in a Champions League marketing campaign (group stage to closing) 👏… https://t.co/8Zj0HB5FY2
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) 1649798209000
A upset Kroos was taken off earlier than a wild contest turned once more on the second of magic from Modric. With the surface of his foot, Modric stroked a 30-yard cross over to the suitable of the penalty space the place Rodrygo, on as an alternative, volleyed in.
Chelsea regarded the extra more likely to nick a late winner and practically did, Kai Havertz nodding throughout the six-yard field however Christian Pulisic shot over.
Benzema. AGAIN.#UCL https://t.co/zGbu810Fba
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) 1649797996000
Into further time and Madrid discovered one other gear, Vinicius lastly discovering house to tear into. His floated cross might need been simply cleared by Rudiger however the defender slipped, giving Benzema simply sufficient house to information his header in.
Chelsea, so composed all night time, immediately regarded ragged. Eduardo Camavinga fired over. Courtois Cruyff-turned round Havertz.
However they threw all the pieces at Madrid within the closing minutes, Courtois saving from Werner earlier than Fede Valverde needed to block a shot from Thiago Silva. Edouard Mendy went up for a closing nook but it surely was cleared, Madrid holding on.