Karim Benzema’s second-half strike helped Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-final first leg encounter on Tuesday night.
Real Madrid, unbeaten in 17 matches in all competitions, named Eden Hazard, a former Chelsea player, on the bench while the London side were unchanged from the weekend and looked the better side.
Chelsea were afforded acres of space by Real Madrid and after Werner was denied at point-blank range by Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper, Pulisic gave the Blues a deserved lead on 13 minutes.
The American winger latched onto Anthony Rudiger’s deep ball, dribbled past Courtois, and fired past two defenders into the net.
Zinedine Zidane’s side were on the ropes but Benzema brought the 13-time UCL champions back into the game with a wonderful equaliser minutes after clipping the post. The 33-year-old French striker controlled Casemiro’s header before blasting a half volley into the roof of the net for his 71st UCL goal.
A more balanced second-half low on action and chances ensued as last-ditch blocks and wayward final balls held both sides back.
Benzema blazed wide and Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick was held by Courtois as the match ended in a stalemate.
The outcome hands Chelsea the advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week Wednesday.
